Make sure you have enough saved to at least cover your soft cost ( plans, permits, engineering fees, survey, etc).3.

Also, what organized membership/club is in the area for Real Estate investors? 

Well worth the low membership fee.  

What are their membership requirements?  

i know someone very interested and wanted to give a few months of pro membership as a gift.

The Home Depot Savings you get for a member pays for the membership, but don't sign up for everyone.

Without mentioning your specific situation or property, I would survey various financial institutions and see which would be better-to refinance as a personal residence or as investment property.

For a very low yearly membership fee, you can get a wealth of information, make new local contacts, as well as have access to landlord forms/documents that pertain to your city/state.A quick google search of "michigan landlord association", and I found these guys:http://rpoamm.org/index.php/forms-docsNot sure if this is in your area, but, you can see there is a lot of benefit joining your local landlord association.

They can give you a breakdown of your membership cost and benefits.

We didn't have the membership fee available so we financed with a personal loan.