Ali Boone, I can't for the life of me understand why you think San Diego, Orange and Riverside Counties are not good areas for generating passive income. 

This is something I have always wanted to do and I'm now at a point in my life that I can try.

She's an 83 year old woman and needs the money for the rest of her life.

Although my career is a huge part of my life, I want to start building wealth so I can spend more time with my wife and kids, and spend a bit more time at home.

I'm skeptical because we always heard refinancing was bad and generally increased the life of the loan, and therefore, increased the interest paid on it.

Not sure how much you need monthly to quit the rat race, but a building that size for a relatively newbie investor will probably make you broke or hate life without the experience to back it up.

@Chris W.Everyone is going to give advice based upon their goals and desired outcome in life.  

My credit has been perfect my entire life never missed any payments.    

If they are good people, pay well, communicate well and screw up due to life events or unfortunate circumstances, I may even cut them a break and allow them to dig themselves out of a situation beyond what is agreed in writing.I want win-win deals. 

This redevelopment is in it's early stages but will include new upscale residential, commercial space for restaurants/bars and night life, and the all important light rail station.