There's anywhere from $1.5 to $2,000,000 in equity, but the issue is it's owned by her 85 year old grandmother and they have no idea what to do with the property.

They usually are the ones who decide what to do.  

Without a doubt many people are still crushing it because they have a strong network and build great systems over time doing the same thing over and over again aka FOCUS!

I truly do not believe they have changed or will change.

I will say make sure you contact counsel and do everything right. 

What kind of planning do you do throughout the year to minimize your tax liability? 

No sense in paying 9% interest by using equity unless you have to do so.  

Also what method do you use to collect rent?

We used a HELOC on our primary to purchase and begin renovations on a duplex nearby, and just this month closed on a fourplex that has a couple units rented, and a couple that need full demo/flip (which is now in progress).I'm taking some big swings and really having a blast doing it.

And how do you typically structure those deals to make them a win-win?