I understand multifamily will be hard to come by but also recognize the many pros they provide as rentals (and in my case a sort-of house hack).

Can someone point me in the right direction for understanding how a refinance of a home/duplex works?

I’m reaching out to more and more foreign investors - being American/German myself and understanding the predicaments - to bridge the gap in this issue.

I think many professions have a leverage if they decide to become real estate investorsProperty management - as described by DavidAccountant - we understand Profit and loss statement, cash flow statement etcgeneral contractors - they will know estimated costs required to rehab a property.The rule is use your profession to become a real estate investor.If there is a skill that you are not an expert in - pay someone who knows how to do it better.

This seems to be the case to a lesser extent when you go inland.We have been in a growing property market for about 9 years, and my understanding is that the coastal cities rebounded initially a bit faster and that there is a bit more meat left on the bone in other areas.I agree with @John Merritt that the South East is okay and that you can find some value there.

Not sure that I understand what your question is... no "rule" that Im aware of to buy.

the filing to get the two or three permits, like motel permit and short rate stay permits is not the issue, they want us not to take any renters until this is obtained that is the killer here. we have retained an attorney and are hoping they understand that this is a busienss and will suffer hardship if we stop the renting till permits and licenses are issued'

They just may not understand how the process works. 

However, allocating 80% of a building to low/mixed-income housing is a bit aggressive given the neighborhood character and the potential effects of that understandably violate the basis for why so many people move into Jefferson Park.

I understand these opportunities don't come around all the time but I am determined to make them happen.