I currently own one property in California and have seen my home value rise significantly during the past year and could really use some solid guidance/advice on how to move forward with a possible refinance, opening a heloc, or even the possibility of selling the property may be on the table! 

Thank you this is solid advice I have been talking to several PMs to get a better idea of how to screen and take care of tenants. 

My investor is looking for a solid, dependable and quality PM, to manage a couple of units on the north side (Rogers Park).

I found Solid Ground EnvironmentalThanks

I invest to replace income, build generational wealth, creating an income funnel, and improve the community around meI like the search and the hunt, acquire a great property, and turning it to something great that no one saw otherwiseIP I look for a deal that makes sense that has a good tenant class, good appreciation, and solid returns (8/10% cash/cash)An agent has to have very good market knowledge, understand the local geographical attributes, and has a good relationship with their network

Both of @Dustin Lunceford's ideas are solid.

Hey Rohan, I'm working closely with about 5 investors and I'm at the stage of developing a rock solid relationship with a contractor.

As a buy and hold landlord, with middle and slightly upper middle class tenants in relatively new properties in above average neighborhoods and professional property management and solid property and liability insurance (w/ umbrella ins as necessary) I see absolutely no need for an LLC.However my risk profile is different than yours, so there you go.  

As a lender, I see this as completely bait and switch unless they provided you a solid reason regarding the approval. 

I'd really like to have some solid knowledge on this before doing a 1031 exchange as depending on what the deal is, I may just keep the current rentals.