We str the upstairs and I’m considering converting the downstairs to residential to do the same.My business (in the ticket resale space) was occupying the downstairs before but now we have shifted to working remotely.

So go with a fourplex since it qualifies as a residential loan (5 plus units is commercial) and you take advantage of first time home buyer program (low down payment :)).

For example, where a duplex or quad can secured with standard residential financing, a medium sized apartment block will require things like environmental assessments, etc... 

I'm wondering if i could land partition and have a builder build there because technically its still in residential so it should be zoned for residential.

Residential?

But what I'm talking about is the increasingly anti-private property ownership rights mindset developing in places like California.

Are you looking for a broker that does fannie/freddie residential or more of a commercial style broker who does 30 year loans with no income verification, no limit on the # of financed properties, LLC is fine, etc etc?

As we continue to grow, land will be rezoned and can be subdivided down the road into residential, multi-family, commercial or industrial depending on the property. 

They essentially said, they didn't have this house within their inventory of properties and that they typically dabble on the commercial side vs residential.

As a couple composed of a city planner/R.E. agent and civil engineer we are knowledgeable in the process and requirements for new development (whether it be residential or commercial) and selling/buying real estate.