This is the main reason to do the refi.

Plus, it lets all these newer concepts & formula marinate in my head as I figure out some key items ... mainly thinking through on what kind of real estate investor I want to be, what kind of portfolio I wish to build, and can I analyse deals properly. 

I guess it’s some sort of employee benefit.

Also interested in any suggestions that, I and others could benefit from, regarding floor plan adjustments that others have done that you have found profitable/marketable and cost effective as well as total disaster stories on what not to do.

I'm currently working under a general contractor by day, a job I took with the intention of getting into fix & flip, which will be my main strategy for the first while.

If I were investing out of my market I would be a lot more sophisticated in my research. mainly I would be watching job growth.

What are the benefits of working with real estate agent?

Torrance currently has zoning code that covers accessory dwelling units (ADUs) that I would like to take advantage of to permit the rec room as a dwelling so that I can live in it and rent out the main house.

I’m getting started with a few business ventures, mainly Airbnb and BRRRR. 

To really measure the cost/benefit of permitting you would have to first talk to a contractor to find out what the costs are.