你太聪明,太精明啦。 想不到IRS比你更精。
NO! Your cost base never change with / without cash out re-fi.
That's exactly what happended in last few years house bust. Everyone cash out the money and used it up, then walk away. Per IRS, the difference between short sale (or REO)price and loan amount (which is bank lost portion) is subject to capital gain tax. Since it will create double burdens for these homeowners (lost home and tax due), Jr. Bush signed the law to waive that.
BUT, if it is your rental property or investment property, you can't run away this tax liability.