We purchased a brick triplex instead in a location which is not as desirable but it is still very good, maybe B or B+, and working on improvements right now. 

As technology improves I think you'll see the better operators bypass the platforms entirely and gain access to distribution using the aggregator sites.  

That's awesome that you are not only improving your self confidence, but also improving the financial outlook and well being of your family and mother!

I am not good with this for several reasons including I am personally responsible for this debt on paper, but he is going to benefit from continued ownership of this property, improved revenue and cash flow from this refinance and I am taking all the liability.

My area is quite unique, constantly improving and almost recession proof due to proximity to big apple.  

If you find a value add deal, where there is an opportunity to make improvements and  increase the value of the building, a re-fi may liberate the borrowed down payment.  

That's a lot more certain than the hope a neighborhood will improve, and usually a much higher rate of "appreciation".

My understanding is that you take the "improvement" (meaning - exclude the land portion) part of your property and depreciate over 27.5 years.  

More so if the house is older as you suggested and you can do some work to improve it.

Has there been extensive physical improvements such as a total rehabilitation of the structure?