What are your goals?

Sold prior to completion.

But I am open to other opportunities.Long term goals: Invest in Real Estate, of course! 

As a local who got burned by this prior to becoming a real estate agent, I'd recommend looking elsewhere.

What you care about is if they can afford the house (we usually look to see their monthly income exceeds 3x what the monthly price is) & if they have a down payment.We use @Paul Ritter and do a full tenant screening for all of our buyers prior to accepting them.Hope that helps,Chris Pre

Just so you know, if you filed your prior year tax incorrectly, you can always amend the return to take full advantage of the deduction you missed.

My only goal is to be an exceptional landlord, to always do things right.

In terms of your question - sell or refinance - it depends on your LT RE goals, plans and priorities.

I'm now in a situation where I'd like to start evaluating properties with a local agent who's familiar with the BRRRR strategy, house hacking, and can help me out with my  goals in purchasing a new duplex in the Long Beach area (most likely south of the 405).

My goal was simple, increase income to the point where my personal budget was at equilibrium and I did not need to withdraw from retirement savings until age 65.