I’m not a former IRS person.

I think they've done a great job of building their product and if you already have a property listed on Airbnb, it's super easy to import to MiniStays (though it's not difficult to list your property there if you don't.)

Personally, I would hang on to the cash.  

Not talking about you personally.

Dumb question - but are these auctions online only, or in-person? 

With a Conventional Loan you can buy a SFH, Duplex, Triplex or Quadplex with as little as 5% Down if it is your primary residence as long as you have the intention of occupying one of the units for 1 year after closing escrow.This is the strategy I have personally implemented and have assisted many of my investor clients in doing the same. 20% Down is also beneficial as it keeps your payment low but it does limit your ability of buying more real estate faster.i would be more than happy to discuss the different strategies with you over the phone or in person.

I talked to my lender contact and, as Kerry mentioned above, it's pretty uncommon that a traditional lender would offer a HELOC product on an investment property (non-primary home). 

Explore my personal favorites, Set For Life by Scott Trench or The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey, for invaluable financial insights.3.

Personally I like the Section 8 program when the property is located in a super poor area with a ton of blight and crime.

The cost to repair your vehicle, and perhaps the other person's car, will be WAY MORE than the cost of the insurance premiums you saved by not having insurance.