Analysis Paralysis on STR or flipping a beach condo

[Michelle L.]

Hi all, I bought a beach condo in 2020 just before the market went nuts.  I bought it in cash and paid for the rehab in cash.  Then I fell into the trap of getting emotionally attached to the beautiful upgrades and furnishings and couldn't imagine opening it up to short term rentals as we spend about 30% of our time there ourselves. 

Fast forward to today and the condo appreciated 80% since I bought it. I thought about refinancing or getting a HELOC but I don't qualify due high debt to income ratios so I either have to sell to get my equity out or turn to short term rentals but when I calculated the CoC return it's only at 5% because I have so much cash invested in it.

I didn't want to flip but  it seems to be the smartest way to get the equity out of it.  On a side note, I bought a second condo at the beach that is not nearly as nice so I have somewhere to stay at the beach when we go but that is also why my debt to income ratio is so high.  

Am I missing the obvious here?  Thanks in advance as I'd love some advice.