I’ve been in a similar position where I wanted to scale but equity was a limiting factor.

Can I make an appealing master bathroom to capture emotional appeal of a buyer within the limited space?

That way I wouldn't be subject to long term capital gains tax and save a decent chunk of change.Also, my understanding of gifts, in this case money, is that there is a yearly limit to how much you can give someone without having to fill out form 709.

I know of an FCU here in SC that will go up to 100% CLTV (First mortgage plus HELOC limit can go to 100% of your appraised value.) 

It was a true trade-off as the Logan area is more limited in STRs and new builds so ADRs are higher and likely to stay there compared to RRG where the market is headed towards being flooded and there's the potential of ADRs going down like in Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge area. 

As well as limit you potential top end profit.

Looking to limit the amount of cash I need to put in (ideally under $10k) by leveraging different financing options @Eric Huntermark I think less than $10k down on a purchase price of $150k is going to be hard to find.

If you have limited prior experience owning / operating multifamily assets, they'll also require you to use a professional property manager with multifamily experience.

Normally there're restrictions on these losses, and REPS can defeat these limitations, providing that you qualify for REPS.Self-employment tax applies to net income.

In fact, I try to limit my communication with them until they come see the place or apply.