On the other hand, a home equity loan gives you a lump sum with fixed payments, which is more predictable and great for one-time expenses like consolidating debt or buying a rental.

Comparing Equity with debt is kind of apples vs. oranges. 

I have a few properties that have increased 30% in the last year), and of course the tax savings + the debt paydown from the federal government or tenant.Overall returns are insane: I'm a buy & hold investor.

Then when you get ready to retire, if rates have come back down and you want to "earn" more cash flow by getting rid of your debt, have at it. 

Supposedly the second lien holder is a credit card debt collector, they were listed as the defendant in the foreclosure case.

Do not refinance a primary residence for this because you will be increasing your payments, but not getting anything for it unless the investment you purchase is giving you such a great return that it doesn't make sense not to do it.I have used HELOCs on both my primary and investment properties (when I could get them) as short-term debt.

You could even consider an AirBnBRRRR strategy, which combines short-term rentals with the BRRRR method.

We calculate gross income as all dollars coming in except taxes.Our clients gross revenue is the room rate (top line) expenses minused out and then they receive their net income.Net profit (or loss) would be then when they subtract debt service, property tax, insurance, utilities, etc.

You may be able to Group like kind properties in some cases (combining hours)

For example, I mention that every adult must pay a $30 application fee, pass my credit/criminal background, make a combined income of 3x the rent, and whether or not the property accepts pets.