we have searched and called several banks with no success including Bank of America, PNC, Fifth Third, Wells Fargo, Chase First Trust.We understand that we could do a cash out refinance however the interest rate will be higher than our current mortgage if we do that so it is not ideal.

Ideally I'd love to househack in Westchester NY however I am bound by this lease (sublets and rental arbitrage not allowed) but don't want to use this an excuse to wait a year to make a move.

Look to talk to someone with insight on the matter.Recently watched the video of Rafael talking about making around $40k/month doing the arbitrage method.

Your contractor could video chat with you while you take the call from home and explain the materials and installation method.

You might also want to watch one of the video courses at Udemy, specifically by Symon He. 

We're hoping to renovate and then refinance this home to have the cash to purchase our first investment property, ideally being a MFH.

For a tenant that takes good care of the property, is respectful to you, and pays rent on time I tend to be pretty flexible.I also recommend getting Brandon & Heather Turner’s book on managing rental properties, listening to podcasts /watching YouTube videos on the topic, and building a reference library of books and CD’s so you will be well informed and prepared to manage your property and your tenants.Hope this helps,Ken :)

Hello everyone, I'm fairly new to the industry, I'm from Dallas, TX,  as many as David Greens, Brandon Turners, and Ashley and Tony's videos I watched i think I just about have the systems down pat, but I would like to find people in the industry to network with 

Just go thru the MLS or Realtor.com or where ever and start doing one or 5 a day.Watch the videos as well!

Not an ideal situation, so I would negotiate the sale price.