The reason I say this is that with a 5+ unit a lender will evaluate based on NOI and a cap rate, so adding a 5th unit COULD (or could not) substantially increase the value of the building and make it worthwhile to refinance and pay off the existing loan (that is tied to the "old" quad) anyway.

That's disappointing, I'm here to learn and would happily pay for it if I used it extensively.

I'd recommend looking at costs. your build cost is going to be well over other homes because of the fixed costs like slab, Hvac, roof, etc. check the market drivers and weight the benefits of short term versus long term. long term is no furniture and help pays mortgage but at this size it doesn't really cover everything. we didn't find a lot of economies of scale in single family detached. can you build more than one unit?

She said that if I pay $42,000 for the next 18 months, that she guarantees I will at least get this 42,000 back by the end of 18 months but probably much more. 

You will probably want to pay attention to the income tax basis to any proposed transactions as well as be wary of any transfers that cause a property tax reassessment, depending on whether that amounts to a big increase in taxes or not.Feel free to reach out if you would like referrals in San Diego County in order to work remotely.

Rewey: Your Comment: "the ultimate solution is to pay it off if it gets called due."

Hi folks, As the topic states I'm looking to learn everything I can about New York City nd its real-estate market.

Meaning that if you fund a $5K EMD and then decide not to close you lose the EMD, or you pay for an inspection up front and risk missing out on the deal while you're waiting for the report.

Because we have been in growth mode acquiring properties with closing costs and rehab costs our business has been operating at a loss on paper each year not having to pay taxes for the business. 

well if I ever make it to the Smokies to see what the draw is  I will rent a condo then :)  I am just guess but I suspect folks that go there want to be in the woods and hear the birds and maybe some local mtn views etc.. or some sort of privacy they never get at home out east were there is not very much public lands close to where they live in the big city. ????