Not generating cashflow, but have reduced my living expenses and acquired an asset.So if I revisit my goals, within the next 5 years, I'd love to: (1) be in a consistent cashflow positive scenario with my STR; (2) move out of my house hack and rent both units; (3) purchase another duplex/SFH+ADU and house hack again. 

If you are ok living with roommates another option is house hacking where you buy a property as a primary and rent out the rest of the property then move out after 12 months to acquire your next one.

JD actively invests in the Poconos region, most recently acquiring a $5M BRRR project.

I would love to hear how many rentals you ended up with and how you acquired them?

(But A class usually doesn’t cash flow because you compete with owner occupants to acquire).

As of now, many potential sites were either identified by broker/developer or too expensive to acquire.

I'm thinking about using a HELOC to acquire the property and then refinance to pay back the balance.

Hello Shivani, Lenders allow you to use 75% of your lease agreement if you acquired your property within the last 12 months and have not filed your tax return for the year when the property was acquired.

I suppose I should have specified, but I am looking to invest in the US as the limitations and opportunities in Canada for the criteria I am looking for; Class C, Construction 1980's and newer, Price $12M-$17M, with 100 units or more is highly challenging to acquire, here in Canada.

You need a QI Qualified Intermediary, who can also hold your funds once you settle on your relinquished property until you settle on the acquired property.