On a side note, the leverage I have is such low interest (below 5%) that I can't realistically justify paying it down early, because there is some value to having some assets liquid, especially when you buy & hold rental property. 

Bachelors in Finance.i think it has helped a little bit. probably not enough to justify the cost though.

I would only talk to the state department of real estate.. lawyers like to argue LOL Well, you and James consistently call out wholesalers in general for acting illegally based on US law and acting dishonestly so it seems somewhat justified to respond to make sure accurate information gets out there.Once again, would you advise anyone to take US legal advice from a broker?  

Central bankers have been hoping that Chinese fueled growth would justify the levels financial assets in the U.S. have reached, with stock and bond markets pushing records.

These are relatively pricey so the rehab needs to be expansive to justify the additional cost.Or, as you mentioned a purchase to complete your 1031 and then a refi to get the cash to do the rehab could be the most cost effective way to do it. 

I'm assuming that this flippant attitude was due to the fact that they simply didn't offer that service and wanted to justify it somehow. 

Heck I've heard quite a few people counting the mortgage paydown and tax advantages as part of a hybrid "cashflow" to justify it. 

Often an error or mistake like the wrong SSN can be explained, the note may be modified to reflect any difference in risk that can be justified.

Sometimes there is not enough margin to justify repairs unless you have some reliable or inexpensive contractors, if you do the work yourself, or if you plan to manage the property as a rental.

"Market value" is not necessarily up to you as an investor to determine, the term has a legal definition and accepted meaning that will be used to determine what that value may be.One issue is with flipping, buying at what may be defined as market value and then shortly thereafter selling for significantly more and financing that higher amount is a form or equity stripping future equity and anything over 100% LTV can be predatory.Making improvements to a property certainly justify a higher price, but to what extent?