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. 

Quote from @Andrea Wellman: Would like to invest in short term rentals to start and learn from this forum and experts.  

I would generally rent to them even if they are a little bit short on rent to income. 

Here's my take on the decision:First, let’s look at the pros and cons of paying off your current short-term rental (STR):Paying Off Your STRPros:-You Eliminates your largest fixed expense (the mortgage), which increases your cash flow significantly.

My specialty as an example is working with investors looking to build portfolios of Short Term Rental/ luxury vacation properties all across the US.  90% of my clients use the 10% down second home occupancy loan.  

The bullet in the response that is standing out to me is:"(7) The accessory dwelling shall not be a short-term residential rental, as defined by City Code section 3-2-152(a)(2), for a period exceeding 120 days per calendar year."

You want to be on the short list and then out work everyone else to land the listing.The 'top agent' question was more for the more experienced agents on this thread to voice their opinions on what influences that decision making process.Not an expert but there is a reason that brokers invest so much in making up good sounding names (e.g.

we have short memories.. 

Short term rentals are a lot of work. 

The only issue with seller finance and resale is if they don't want to receive a payoff in short order, then they should include a pre-payment penalty.