Other factors though may come into play though.  1. 

@Elisee Lafrance man I wish I would’ve seen your notification earlier , right now I’m heading to get cash from plastiq, I have completed the process with plastiq but I’m gonna call them to discuss

Even if you get a great deal that is 20% below market, appraisers will typically be anchored by the last sale price and you may be stuck not being able to pull out as much cash as you need to pay off the HELOC.

So, there's more than one way to create more cash flow than refinancing:-). 

Cash flow is difficult here in California, and so I'm looking for opportunities that have strong appreciation and long-term growth opportunities with strong tenant bases to complement my long-term investment strategy.I appreciate any insight and stories.

BRRR/house hack/str/mtr/ltr.... leveraged equity building vs. cash flow).3.

Figure out how you want to handle you investing and what role real estate plays in that. 

Where else do you have a chance of getting that sort of tax free cash when you are young.You could also renovate, refi and rent it. 

Some will sell SubTo for full price, if you give them cash for their equity.

It would be nice to cash flow and I assume that is rare so appreciation is the goal within the next 3 to 5 years.