Contact local community banks in addition to the credit unions to find a lender to do the Refinancing.  

Additionally, I have a lot of clients that are private money lenders if you are ever in need of financing.

If you cannot convert it into really useable space, what if you split it in half and put coin op washer/dryers on one side for your tenants use, and on the other side, put storage areas that tenants can rent for an additional fee.

That would be your best bet. 

I think you best bet It's to find a duplex to investing in house hack

For all you Dave Ramsey acolytes out there I invest in real estate now because without additional income my ability to pay off my student loans at my current salary (which is a good salary) plus living expenses etc... would mean not be able to pay back those loans and be debt free for at least ten and maybe 15 or 20 years down the road.

I would bet that the majority of people who fear market fluctuations are people who are not at all, or very little invested in the market.

My question is would it be possible to get another HELOC, or home equity loan, etc. for an additional 30%-40% possibly?

I moved to Phoenix just so I wouldn't have to go to CA :)In LA your best bet is Luxury House Hack as I described in my book.

Can you post any additional details about your deal?