The more important factor is that people in their 30's and 40's have much higher spending rate then people in their 60's and 70's.

So, I am not opposed to using a HELOC in this manner but your #s have to work.

Many people in our industry got absolutely creamed in 07/08.

Perhaps you have a mom and pop ice-cream shop in your commercial unit such that you get emotional when they realize their business idea was a flop in the winter time and you're forced to evict them on their 5-year-lease.

Most people in their early 20's / 30's have the 2008 financial collapse tattooed on their brain and their psyche.

I was fortunate in this aspect.. my daughter graduated from UC Davis 2002 so the shock of 911 was 9 months behind her.. but your right it was a very difficult hiring time for Collage kids.the big tech companies were creaming the graduating class's if you were not 3.5 or 3.6 you had a tough time My daughter bless her heart was top 10 in her finance class and got offers from Intel Microsoft Apple etc. and took no time off and went to work ..

I think @Caleb Heimsoth and @Thomas S. have a point you should think through.

I agree with repainting them if you are really looking to shave pennies.

a win /win for networking.So glad you are interested in house hacking; put that W2  to work for a debt instrument  that someone else can help dissolve.Thank your parents for the great name(s) :)Have fun on BP!

With threads of beige, brown and black or beige gray black and cream?