So just like I don't try to time the stock market, I don't try to time real estate.

It was never a problem with the extended stay guests that were sharing my kitchen.

HomeGoods also had a ton of great pieces on offer when I was furnishing my Airbnb - lamps, mirrors, side tables, chairs, stools, kitchen and bathroom accessories, throw pillows, blankets, etc.I am very much NOT a fan of Ikea furniture - most of it is recognizable (not in a good way), looks and feels cheap, and also doesn't hold up well at all over time, but certain pieces may have a time and place in your rentals (lighting, kitchen accessories, silverware/plates/bowls, etc).  

Each piece is a pricing add.Location, unit type/number/style/mid rise/single story, mortgage middle FICO, Down payment percent, prepay type, 3 points - no points, market rents, property good to perfect condition, rented at close with verification, reserves, vesting is real person or single LLC are the pieces that deliver a rate at a moment in time. Rates

So the house wound up needing the drywall, kitchen, bathroom, roof to the garage, Plumbing, Gas and other stuff done. 

In fact those expenses can go UP and at the same time rents go DOWN!

I’m thinking about doing a HELOC or HELOAN for one of my properties but I’m a first timer.

Updates include new upstairs flooring, kitchen counters/sink, bathroom vanities/toilets, and fresh paint.

Rented a room in my house, multi unit and lived in one unit with a friend, currently I have a little studio in my back yard I rent and for my mom I added an internal door and did a small addition to add a bathroom and kitchen to the the house and it is rented as a mother in law suite.

Considering your goal of house hacking a duplex, while FHA loans are common for first-timers, there are alternative financing options to explore:Conventional Loans: Need more credit and down payment, but offer flexibility. 203K Loans: Ideal for fixer-upper duplexes, bundling purchase and renovation costs.VA Loans: Great for vets—no down payment, competitive rates, and no mortgage insurance.Portfolio Loans: Private lenders, good for unconventional income or credit histories.Hard Money Loans: Quick, high-interest, good for investments or major renovations.With $30,000, mix it up—use it for a down payment, maybe pair with a conventional or FHA loan.