If a unit is significantly under market rent and needs upgrades, offer the tenant an upgrade in exchange for a renewal at a higher rent.

Quote from @Antoine Black: I have a house that free and clear and I'm trying to tap in the equity can any one help  Hey Antoine, As Mike stated, your best bet is a local credit union.

But if they gov't changes to a 90 day minimum, you would have to operate as a 90 day rental or longer.And talking to local experts, if you want to own a STR on O'ahu, your safest bet is to buy a unit in a Condotel that is located in the "Resort" zone of Waikiki.  

@Tyler Speelman, A 1031 exchange solves the tax issue. 

If you decide to sell and find an investment property with a greater cash flow potential.A 1031 exchange would allow you to indefinitely all of the tax and use it to your advantage to reinvest into larger nicer property/properties.

In exchange, he gave her a small rent discount and even helped her relocate some of the larger items.

@John R Bongiovanni Aside from those services, I have done a lower security deposit in exchange for a higher rent on a long term tenant and they were fine with that.

I’m a full-time sales professional at a global GSI, so I’m seeking relatively efficient strategies.Has anyone successfully used cash-out refinances, 1031 exchanges, or other equity-based approaches to boost income?

We do want to settle in a little bit here while continuing to do our homework, but hope to get into something in the next 6-12 months.With the way interest rates are looking now and what little I see on public listings, I think a smaller multi-family that needs a little rehab would be the best bet. 

It's hedging your bets.