I would also target ones that are ideal for renting out when you move out so maybe do a lower price point. 

Most people who are affected by rent tend to be on lower socioeconomic rungs anyway and thus have less political heft to swing around.

There are so many options for LVP now, from lower priced to higher.

A lot of local banks tend to have 1-3 year intro periods of lower interest rates for HELOCs, check with some yours. 

Tenants in many markets already believe they pay too much (contrary to recent studies that show rent to property values have never been lower for the large US cities).If my insurance costs are not double my current rates over the next couple years, I will be pleasantly surprised.  

I offered to temporarily lower their rent until they’re back on their feet.

Hre are the key things to knowWhat you are bidding on - often oddball properties that are hard to identify and have little value are auctioned offThe true as is value of the property, The tax assessment can be way higher or way lower than the true as is valueThe local laws and how they affet your total costs and returns

There are aggressive lenders out there with lower fees for experienced flippers.  

Essentially lower my taxable income by $117k?! 

With rates in constant flux, you might have opportunities to lock in lower ones.