Without knowing all the details of your situation, I would say you are on the right track looking into the real estate professional classification for your wife.  

Obviously big fancy nice houses, but what's the lower end of that classification?

Typically, they are classifed as Defendents as well when named in the foreclosure suit.  

For finance and insurance purposes check your area to determine where they draw the line on commercial classification.   

Refinancing doesn't change the flip/long term investment classification.

Newbie's 5-Minute Guide to Selecting the Right LocationNeighborhood RatingsThere is no rigid scale for rating neighborhoods but you'll usually hear an A-C, A-D, or A-F classification.

Keep in mind that there are often multiple "residential" zoning classifications in a given area.  

Like I said, landlords have a legal responsibility under the law to maintain the habitability of a rental home, and a broken window in the wintertime (or really any time) would certainly fall under that classification. 

I'm seeing suspicious classifications all around Kitsap including Bremerton, Port Orchard, Bainbridge Island, etc.Bonus Question: does anyone have insight into property class '911- Common area' and how this is determined and taxed by the county. 

Then, like David stated, you'll really be the one to pick where you want to work.It'll cost a bit of money to get going, all out of your pocket, although I have heard of a couple offices that will cover your class if you sign on with them.