The upper level is designed as the living space with some bedrooms and there are 3 bedrooms on the lower level.

@Karla Sosa - I don't know Bakersfield intimately, but when I evaluate a market in general there are several items I consider: Population growth, Income Levels, Crime levels, poverty levels, Rent/Price ratio for the property type your considering, landlord laws, and industry mix.

I had a couple contractors come quote me on foundation and it would cost 10-15k to "level" the first floor.

It assumes a certain level of sophistication and knowledge.  

I currently work as an insurance agent and support a lot of homeowners and investors, which has sparked a real interest in real estate on a personal level.

For longer-term loans, float but closely monitor key levels with our guidance.Current Price ofFNMA 30-year 6.0%Bond:$100.50,-19bpMMG DailyDeficit concerns continue to weigh on bond markets, pushing prices down and yields up as both hover near pivotal technical levels.MMG Minute: https://share.vidyard.com/watch/8QPLK6VGA3L85gs5XXvVrSMoody’s warnings about the growing U.S. deficit, combined with the budget bill moving through Congress, are unsettling investors.

Is anyone utilizing them at a high level for a medium-sized real estate team?

OR do we need to go up a level to engineeredwood?

Quote from @Dylan Mortman: I'm trying to understand the amount of money that is either left in the deal or considered "gained" through a refi.At the highest level - What do I subtract from the big chunk of money I get from a cash out refi?

Or maybe I would step up my level and try breaking into the commercial market.