If the comps have a small % of variance then you likely have a stable market and can have some confidence applying it to your property.

There is no “step up” (the step up doesn’t even apply for depreciation calculations).  

Basically you need to get bids on the work you need done (before applying for the loan).

I am done with all 6 courses, and plan to apply tomorrow to take the final NATIONAL and STATE Exam (Texas). 

You will do the most amount of volume here if you apply yourself, this approach will require that you work "full time", as well as nights and weekends. 

This could still apply as a suggestion though so I'll edit my post accordingly.  

I don't think I will be looking in the LA area, but I will certainly apply your suggestions to other areas.

Oakland votes to bar landlords from conducting background checksMarisa KendallPUBLISHED: January 21, 2020 at 1:20 pm | UPDATED: January 22, 2020 at 10:04 amCategories:Business, California News, Crime & Courts, Latest Headlines, News, Politics, Real EstateOakland on Tuesday moved to become the first city in the state to ban landlords from investigating the criminal history of renters applying for both public and private housing.The Fair Chance Housing Ordinance, which the City Council passed unanimously Tuesday evening, will prohibit landlords from rejecting a potential tenant because of a prior criminal conviction.

I think your first step, if you haven't done so already, is to apply for a mortgage to see where you stand.

Business license or other 3rd party proof that the business still exists as of when you apply for the mortgage (CPAs don't write these letters, these days).