I’d prefer to get a 30yr fixed, but best option so far seems to be 4.87% and closing costs of $4,500 on a $60k refi.

I'd really like a year-round destination, preferably near a lake and mountains (not really interested in beach properties).

I would prefer to get the loan and maintain the current portfolio if possible. 

Every real estate investor should know everything in this book, "50 Real Estate Investing Calculations".I prefer to have all my books on Kindle so I can access them anywhere in the world on-the-fly.When you first look at a property for sale the numbers always look boring and the basic numbers at the time of the purchase are meaningless.

It depends on their preference and discretion as an independent contractor.... unless they're an employee of brokerage.

These are all personal preferences but should be considered as a factor. 

Just some food for thought, make sure you look into what the carriers are like to deal with when you truly need them. 

It will most likely end up being converted to middle income housing on the 2nd and 3rd floors, and then the 1st floor and basement could be utilized as retail space (assuming the building stays up, which is what we prefer).

Just some food for thought. 

My wife and I would prefer not to over pay for our first house, which we plan to live in.