So can probably answer some basic questions if you have them.

Basic details of the refinance I'm being offered:Interest: 4.5% up from 3.25%PMI: $0 down from $281Total Loan Value: $240,000Monthly payment including tax and insurance: $1,524 down from $1769I didn't catch the closing cost total, so I'll need to follow up on that.

The fact they are complaining online might be an indication the property manager dealt with them properly so be sure to ask the manager for their side of the story.I hope this basic guide helps.

Many have posted a few great tips already, that's the cool thing about this forum ;-) That said, I highly recommend using the awesome tools provided here on BP to learn the basics of analysis and underwriting.A few tips to get started and your continued learning:Read Beginner’s Guide.Check out BP Podcasts.Find and connect with other BP members that are in your area.Getting the Most out of BiggerPocketsHow to Effectively Use BiggerPockets to Build Your BusinessThe BiggerPockets Keyword Alert SystemFind upcoming real estate events and meetups near you.If you'd like to tag someone in the conversation, type @ followed by their name and then select the name of that person that appears below the comments box.

I basically want to house hack and I found this side by side duplex that has the potential for a basement apartment.

some have gotten loans so they are not out and out frauds like many on the internet.. but from what others have posted very expensive  ( which is OK in my book since they are doing basically 100% financing)  the rub from others though is you pay the 3k and the property for one reason or another does not meet their underwriting and your out the dough.. so its a risk.. for sure..and like I said I don't blame them but its a pretty good slick thing they got going for themselves to make 3k on your turn downs.. :)and then you try another and its another 650 one guy posted he lost close to 5k and finally gave up.. others have lost EM because the properties did not meet their criteria..also other posted that you have to front the contractor payments then get reimbursed so you need cash for that.so guess its 100% but not really.. if it was me I would find a money partner for your equity and try LIma One or lending home or Vizio those are all nice people to work with.

I am going to start a significant remodel of my house in Santa Monica and wanted to maximize all possible rebates, grants or energy rebates that are available for new roofs, windows, appliances, insulation, landscaping..ect.I have a basic list (local municipality and appliance rebates) but didn't know if there was anything that I was missing or didn't know about...possibly other agencies?

They are basically flippers, but don't do any work. 

You’ll gain experience by talking to sellers (basics) then focus on becoming a better negotiator.

Now that he is in-school and has basic arithmetic skills, he periodically checks how much more he needs to make a down-payment on his first {rental} house  {being a minor, he cannot borrow on his own and definitely is not eligible for a high-ratio, insured mortgage, so he will need a 20% down-payment and the bank of Mom & Dad if he still wants to purchase a house when he has the funds}.We also use routine activities such as grocery shopping or fuelling the car/truck to discuss budgeting and how much it costs to run a household - at an age appropriate level.