If the matter was litigated, you would have a defense to a charge of trespass if you establish from the preponderance of evidence (witnesses, documents, and established facts) that you present in court that the owner intended to abandon or give up all rights to his/her property.   

Once a high comp has been established, that can be the baseline as long as you remodel your house to that same or better standard.What is your thought process on the scenario above and why?

Debt to income ratio will come into play here unless you have established a rental track record for your home you wish to refinance.

I also used the opportunity to check the market, establish some connections, and to put boots on the ground.

It is easiest to do in an area where you are already established because it's based on relationships but can be done anywhere.

We got some great marketing out of this house, really establishing the BurnsPropertyGroup Brand.

If wall is not well established, your personal assets could be held liable to liability from LLC

Unfortunately investing out of your area carries with it certain risks, especially if you're not well established/capitalized.

All very true for an established industry and established/stable market. 

More established brokers put years in and no longer typically take that business.