Also, I am considering alternative financing options (beyond Hard Money).

While I’ve considered cash-out refinancing or HELOCs, the high rates make these options less appealing.I’m debating between using cash to acquire more SFRs or diversifying into mixed-use retail properties.

@German Fernandez Love those options!

These are all good options.

Quote from @Jimmy Chao: I am weighing some options to help my younger brother buying his first primary with a fixer.

Happy to chat if you're still looking for options to add to your rolodex.  

However, an easier option would be to use a bridge loan to help with acquisition and rehab financing if the property needs some work.

@Nate MarroquinYou're in a great position to house hack before your income increases, and you have multiple financing options to make it work.

Obviously the numbers and location would determine which is the best option for me but these would be my preferred methods. 

There are tons of options out there.