Front had verticals and more traditional horizontal blinds throughout.

I think I've bought 10 houses (primaries and investments), and I've had that same "Oh crap, my chest hurts, why did I think this was a good idea?"

Based on the tenor of your posts, I've got to ask - do you have your primary residence squared away?

I’d like to buy the place, renovate it, and then live in it for a few years as my primary while renting out the 2/1, and then ultimately selling or renting out the main house too. wondering what the best purchase strategy would be considering I don’t have the full purchase price in cash on hand?

Tenants can be frustrating (to say the least)... and the situations that come along with them - from stopped up toilets to evictions, among many others, present challenges.I wouldn't recommend a Heloc for a long term hold as the rate is variable... and over 4 units you will require a commercial loan if going the traditional route of financing.  

Because the owners of Licensing Experts pay ALL CASH, the closing usually occurs 3-6 weeks, which is very fast compared to traditionally financed commercial deals I've seen on Bigger Pockets.The whole thing hinges on their very clever technique of getting existing commercial retail tenants engaged, willing to move into their newly acquired properties who are coming up for a lease renewal or lease expiration, rather than marketing for new commercial tenants - which would take way too long.Licensing Experts is somewhat of a "front" for their Mentorship Platform, as they evidently have many of their own separate entities for which they use to actually purchase and close on their commercial properties assigned by their mentees. 

Take the $250,000 primary residence exclusion every two years .  

well you have your own answer there are no lenders for entitlements  there are JV partners like me for entitlements but its not at traditional lending rates of course as its all risk capital.WI funded 3 entitlement deals in 2024 in Loudan  county VA to the tune of 7 figures in cash. since my client does not own it its unsecured ..

Yes, most lenders will require you to live in a primary residence before moving out, refinancing, or converting into a rental.

I have two real estate property as rental, 3rd one is my primary all based in San Diego.