They plan to continue what’s been ruled illegal through clever workarounds and ticking boxes on forms differently.I’m just frankly shocked at what’s coming out of their mouths - almost as if the law is this silly little thing that the courts enforce because they can’t see the light properly as an agent does.I say all of this as a licensed agent.

Tread lightly, and you will be far better off. 

We have a family partnership that holds some commercial properties (light industrial) and I am looking to help resolve some family disagreements by finding a cash out refi option.  

Its very tough, if not impossible, to know if you are exiting right before you get to the light at the end of the tunnel.

It's done well enough to keep the lights on with a modest profit, but definitely could do a lot better with more of that experienced property manager's "secret sauce".

Probably that they got off light with some small procedural changes and a reasonable fine they can pay with cash on hand, compared to going bankrupt.

The GC there may be able to shed some light on what you're looking to do. 

Any experiences you have had that could shed light on this would be very helpful. 

I agree with @Michael Plaks that the pricing should be discussed prior to the start of the engagement.My firm does not like the hourly invoice method because I find it can potentially cause anxiety to clients who may not know the final price.if you were a nice client and paid an hourly fee, maybe there was a lot of time towards 'setting' you up as a client(inputting your properties, prior year carryforwards, depreciation schedule, etc) which won't be a cost for you going forward.Best of luck.

These included one of the outdoor lights not working, small common area repairs, tightening things, and a hole in a screen.