However, due to very, very high cost of living in Silicon Valley, and difficulty buying a reasonably sized home, and given I will remain in Bay Area long term most likely (family all here), also need a property appreciation strategy to some extent, too.

From my research, it seems like a good ARV is 60 - 80k depending on the size and quality of repairs.Shreveport in general is a steady community.

We focus on two main data points:1) The pending to listed ratio for newly built homes sized between 1,400-2,400sqft.2) The pending to listed ratio for newly built homes listed between $250K-$475K.

If you're using the HELOC for just the down payment portion on the investment property, then you'll likely need to fund the rest with private money or a HML and then re-fi out to conventional once you've renovated and rented.

At most, while getting approved for the next loan, underwriters might ask you a series of additional questions as to why you're moving especially if the new unit is relatively the same size, area, value. 

Hey @Jordan Dzubak, so a quick look on VRBO showed quite a few rentals on the lake.The average nightly rates is highly variable but that is dependent on size and location of course.What you can do is drill down on VRBO and AirBNB to see what is out there.

It's another tool in the tool belt, but not a one-size fits all.The last time I offered cash was when both my tenants got laid off and could not afford rent.

These include utilities, insurance, repairs, maintenance, mileage, and other related costs.Pre-rental interest is not deductible as a rental expense, but you may be able to capitalize it as part of your property's basis (adding it to the cost of the property, which can then be depreciated).Property Taxes - Deduct the portion related to December 1, 2023, and onward as a rental expense.

It essentially guarantees the lender a portion of the interest remaining that Would have been paid if the loan went to maturity.

I have used Credit Rent Boost... they offer their service to all sizes of landlords.