But with that one lender I found I am not lendable due to not having proof of income for the last two years.

The reason the answer is framed this way is because when you take a HELOC out to make repairs on your personal residence, you are allowed to tax the interest deduction on your Schedule A of your 1040 income tax return.

I believe in putting in the work—1,000 hours of research, testing, and learning—before offering advice, and I’m excited to tap into the collective wisdom of this community to refine my approach.Here’s where my head is at: I’m considering strategies like short-term rentals (Airbnb) for higher cash flow, long-term rentals for steady income, or even creative options like house hacking or partnerships to stretch the funds further.

Quote from @Chris Seveney: @Jay HinrichsWhen I looked into it - I viewed it more as those who teach infinite banking etc (note that is not what tardus does - they teach what they call income snowball)Similar to infinite banking - it’s a strategy and you pay to learn the strategy - but whatever you invest in is up to you.

Our instincts are to eventually rent it and use the income for payment assistance on a new home mortgage.

You can look into low-income neighborhoods usually the properties are of lower value, but I'm not quite sure if that applies everywhere but I know in Florida I see it here and there, and if you need help looking I don't mind helping.i would be wary about REO/HUD owned properties as a first time househack.

If enacted, these changes would bolster real estate valuations and enhance returns for investors.How Real Estate Outperforms Under Different ScenariosIf Interest Rates Rise (Higher Inflation):Treasuries: Medium- to long-term bonds lose value, potentially resulting in negative returns.Real Estate: Higher inflation leads to rent growth, boosting net operating income (NOI) and offsetting the impact of higher borrowing costs.If Interest Rates Fall (Cooling Economy):Treasuries: Bonds appreciate in value, improving returns.Real Estate: Lower rates drive cap rate compression, significantly increasing property valuations and returns for investors.Conclusion: Asymmetric Risk-Reward in Real EstateWhile Treasuries offer a safe haven, they also come with limited upside and potential interest rate risks for medium- to long-term maturities.

Been interesting if we as a state get rid of personal income tax.

As a SFR investor for over 15 years I have been wrestling with this question in the past, because it feels like you should upgrade to "bigger".I know for sure that I would not enjoy the ownership experience that comes with a small 4F, because in Milwaukee that typically also means lower income tenants. 

Phoenix contains a rare combination of elements that have created an outstanding market for distressed property investments, including the following:Cost Savings: Distressed properties are sold below their market value and enable investors to take hold of properties at a trifle compared to traditionally listed properties.Strong Market Fundamentals: Being among the fastest-growing cities in the country, Phoenix ensures a high demand in housing and rentals, hence good potential for resale or income from rentals.Value Creation Opportunities: Most distressed properties need renovations; thus, such situations present opportunities for investors to increase equity by adding value.Population and Economic Growth: Phoenix remains among those cities in the country which are attracting more and more residents and business; therefore, this presents good, long-term appreciation possibilities of property appreciation and income creation.Challenges to ConsiderWhile the rewards can be great, distressed property investment is not without its challenges.