Instead, they seem focused on making use of it for as long as they can, trying to extract as much benefit as possible before the opportunity runs out.

Having just spent the last 5 days touring Portugal its apparent this move that Clayton and his wife made has yet again been to their benefit at the cost of their investors.This is hardly any kind of hardship on them..

The 70% LTV and 3% origination cost you mentioned are typical, but they can definitely vary depending on the lender and the specific deal.Regarding the LLC or Trust, you're right, it's a good idea to explore those options for asset protection and potential tax benefits.

Is it to build up assets, is it to make additional income, is it to reduce your monthly housing spend and save more money, is it tax breaks/benefits? 

Benefits of Rate/Term refi:  No seasoning with any lenders to use the full new appraised value, no seasoning of the underlying first mortgage that is getting paid off, better rates vs a cash out refinance!

Consult a real estate CPA or tax attorney to assess if the benefits outweigh the fees and risks for your situation, and consider alternatives like 1031 exchanges or installment sales for simpler strategies.This post does not create a CPA-Client relationship.

If you wait until it’s a rental, you might be able to depreciate the remodel costs over time, which could be a great tax benefit. 

I am in the low 800s and don't know of any tangible benefits to be at 800+.

I'm sure the company is fine and want to give them the benefit of the doubt.

Let time do it's thing over 5-10 years, you can take advantage of the tax benefits in the meantime then 1031 exchange into lower cost, higher yielding markets to achieve those goals.Great thing abotu real estate is if you have the capital you have options and options are always good.