I also told him this is why I asked 5x what the bill would be all along but he never would give me a number or estimate except for parts. 

(yes, there are exceptions of course). 

I'm not experienced with this, but have one simple goal - to do a cash-out refi on four properties (three MFR, one SFR) to recover my personal funds used to improve them, all of which I have owned for 5-ish years (no seasoning issues).Debt to income is great, credit is exceptional... there are none of those issues.Thanks in advance for your feedback!

Either way works (in most states - Texas is the exception that comes to mind for lease-options). 

My guess is that it will go for cheap due to the fact that it's basically a worthless property except to you and maybe your neighbors. 

I'll answer your question in chunks:- It is not just a slap on the wrist (except, in many cities, for the contractor). 

WHAT resources do you use to keep up with the market & business (except this fabulous web site, of course)?

You will find some exception, retired folks, divorce people, part time residence who work in the area during the week and go home on the weeks, construction guys. 

There are only a few exceptions to the related party rules,  Get your accountant on board. 

Please find me two economists that agree on much of anything, except that rent control is generally bad.