Because interest rates are high right now it probably doesn’t make sense to pull extra cash just to stick it in a bank account.

I'd like some input on wrapping my head around a potential first house and if this sort of deal/rent makes sense.

Hi Tom, I would reconsider taking out a full two hundred thousand dollars for a HELOC unless the numbers make sense in terms of possibly making that money back and paying off the loan. 

Might make sense to have a in depth conversation with a Banker to run the numbers on a Fannie Mae 5% down versus an FHA 3.5% with the higher MIP.

Starting a hard money lending company makes sense to me since I have hundreds of contacts in this business that I've built relationships for years, as well as it aligns with my origination background. 

Makes total sense.

It would make no sense.  

If both the criteria make sense, I am looking at the property in person and planning to make an offer if within my budget.

It doesn't make sense to partner with complete strangers on the internet that are mores likely to use your money and screw you over.

After weighting all of that, does it make the most sense to try to keep this tenant in place?