Either way, $600 in cash flow should actually help your personal DTI if you go for conventional financing on a primary again. 

Personally, I would prefer to use the HELOC approach.

Better option for personal use but perhaps not rental. 

I personally know several blue-collar millionaires from HVAC techs to plumbers.

I say "may" because while I have read about this in several places, I have not personally verified this to be true.I usually pay contractors by check the minute the work is finished and approved.  

@Alvin Sylvain I agree the emotional support animals are B.S. but they are legal and we have to abide by the law.If the animal is an ESA, you are allowed to ask if the person is disabled and what service the animal provides.

The flippers we personally work with in California have not run into this issue (as far as I'm aware).

It has worked out for me, but I'm wondering if anyone else has another person they trust that I can float other, similar tasks to?  

Since you purchased your primary recently and in Houston, I personally am bearish on your appreciation potential.

I've personally helped many OOS investors here and they've been very happy with returns.