Appreciation is occurring and I suspect will continue as the market strengthens.  

Although 2024 was generally considered a seller's market, based on what's going on in the new and the real estate market --- Do you think 2025 will be a buyer's market or continue to be a seller's market?

You could certainly invest in other markets (that are not your primary residence), but you just are not allowed to use your VA loan entitlement.Happy to connect and continue to learn about real estate investing opportunities together!

HELOCs are much tricker than a closed end second - they don't typically allow you to close in an LLC and they are full doc qualification, meaning your FICO, employment history, income, DTI etc all come into play.

My goal is simply to make enough to show that my business makes money so I can continue enjoying living here.

@Christian Hwangjust curious - if what you're doing is working, why not continue doing it?

Although I probably get killed on transaction fees which is part of why I am not pulling the trigger (along with lack of time to execute well).There are games you can play for increasing your returns in the stock market (sector rotations, rebalancing, being a good company picker) but you lack operational control. 

Focus on cash flow to align with your long-term goal of a remote ranch, and continuously educate yourself while networking to identify opportunities and partnerships.

Many banks securitize their loans (bundle them together) and sell the loans to Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, while continuing to service the loans, that is collect your payment.

Since COVID, the demand for cash actually increased, so this is a recession resistant play.