Ideally a HELOC is used for less then a  year project where you can refi or sell to pay back the HELOC. 5 years is a long time, things can happen and if you reduce the cashflow on both properties you'll be increasing the risk and having thinner margins.

Trust sells to buyer for cash.

some of my investor friends have mentioned it. they get all there stuff at wholesale prices and it allows them to sell things for a discount. 

Selling the property within your Solo 401(k) and returning the proceeds to the account simplifies compliance and ensures tax-deferred growth (or tax-free in a Roth Solo 401(k.)).

The overall LTV (including all 3 mortgages) will be key and your selling point will need to be that the 2nd mortgage ($8k) will burn off in 2.5 years (based on your surprise that it was even out there, I'd recommend that you follow up in 2.5 years and ensure that it's been satisified, so that it doesn't surprise you again in the future).Does the $8k grant vest over the 5 years? 

You may have heard that staging your home properly can make a big difference when you sell your house, but what exactly is home staging, and is it really worth your time and effort?

Providing relocation assistance to tenants, for example, if I want to sell the property or move back in - this can range from one month's rent to thousands of dollars (e.g tenant has a disability, minor children, elderly it will cost you more), depending on the city.

Here are a few ideas to explore that might help you get closer to homeownership in San Diego without selling:Cash-Out Refinance:Refinancing one or both of your El Centro properties could free up additional cash for a down payment without selling.

It really doesn't apply as much anymore in most markets because rates are too high and homes are selling for too much. .75% rule is more viable and would be the new 1% rule in this market.

Remember, if you decide to sell in a few years, any bonus depreciation comes back as ordinary income.