If this is still in the "just thinking about it" stage and you have not committed to making a move,  you may be able refi as your primary residence, rather than as an investment property or second home. 

All that said, you may still decide that OOS investing is more practical for the stage you're in.

Something easier for anyone to understand would be $5k, $50k or $500k and at each one of these stages, you will have different options. 

From what I experienced, all they want to see is you have the funds at the approval stage.

A bank will appraise it as an SF Not sure how CA works so won't comment on the legality, but it is inherently more risky for a buyer.As for how to approach...think stages of grief.

We are now at (past) the stage we need to decide if we hire employees or go with a “professional” We just struggle to find a good one that we can trust.

We were at the final stages of the project, with all of them under contract, and about a month or less left to finish them up and obtain COs for all units. 

Will reach out once I get to the offer stage!

While it seems crazy high, I don't think most areas have reached the bubble stage in that prices of existing homes are still less than new construction.

Agree it requires extra perseverance to find a good deal today @Jai Reddy Account Closed, thus ensuring one is focused on a specific RE strategy is even more crucial as I'm still in the research stages.