I'm going to assume that you are part of an investor community on Long Island.

You have already posted this in another forum.You have to be where investors are and that means real estate investor meetups, conferences, etc., but you won't get anywhere with them if you don't have the experience yourself to work with them.What value can you add now? 

I've had a tenant in my long-term rental unit for 7 years, and they've recently moved out.

This reduces my monthly payment by ~$100 a month.Am I correct to think that I am essentially paying $3500 for this refinance?

Sam Zell: Known as the "Grave Dancer" for his ability to find value in distressed properties.--- Tactic 1: Opportunistic Buying: He purchased undervalued or distressed properties during down markets.--- Tactic 2: Focus on Fundamentals: Zell emphasized cash flow and property performance over speculation.--- Tactic 3: Diversification: He invested across various real estate sectors, reducing risk.2.

Going to events, telling everyone you know that you're in the business is where you need to start.

It would be a lien placed on the entirety of the property that is deeded in both your names (or in your entity, if you closed in the name of an LLC).If you plan to take full control of the property, you could refinance in your name/entity alone with a cash-out and pay your partner off with their equity share.

Investment Info:Single-family residence buy & hold investment in Evergreen.

If you "partnered" with this wholesaler/contractor, why are you stuck?

Interesting article about “Squatters’ Rights” in California; how they originated and their intended purpose vs. how they are currently being taken advantage of.California's Squatter's Enable Tenancy Rights After Just 30 Days, Raising Concerns Among Property Owners About Housing Security