@Tori Rhodes faster ways to scale:Buy a portfolio from another investor- Get seller financing from a savvy one that doesn't want capital gains hit!

Ready to learn, grow and gain financial freedom and generational wealth.

While there's no strict requirement to match the original mortgage terms, reinvesting the full proceeds without financing or using leverage to enhance returns is key.If you don't reinvest the full amount, any shortfall ("boot") will be subject to capital gains tax, and depreciation recapture may apply.This post does not create a CPA-Client relationship.

You would have had to be there for at least that to save on the capital gains taxes (up to 250k). 

I would think with the HELOC, I could run with that until I can do a refi and with the interest rates starting to come down, there should be some gains to be made and I can repay the HELOC in short term. 

This is only a guess, take it with a gain of salt. 

Starting with an owner-occupied duplex is a smart way to build equity and gain experience.

The buyer pays taxes on the crypto gain and the seller pays taxes on the property value gain.

Moreover, the property must be held for at least five years before selling to gain tax exemption. 

All the depreciation and the capital gains go away.