Akron is not LL friendly, they were the first in NE Ohio to pass a rental registration ordinance (in the 90s), in 2021 added source of income as a protected class - so you can no longer rule out S8 applicants, and passed STR registration last October (and nearly a year later still haven't been able to enact anything).  

That would mean the extra 5k would technically come out of my pocket, right? 

. :)   I'll likely do the HELOC and not worry about the extra taxes on gains over $500k when I finally do sell someday. 

You would build equity in your own property and could save an extra $2,000 a month.

Adding half a bathroom per comps added $50k valuation.  

The package added up to 6 months of pay for doing nothing. 

Completely renovated main level:* Demoed and redid kitchen with new appliances* Refinished floors and reglazed bathroom* Replaced the roofComplete demoed and finished the basement and landscaping* Replaced half bath with full and added 2 bedrooms* Replaced entire plumbing including sewer line* Added second washer dryer* installed stamped concrete patio and walkway plus fence* All new landscapingWhat was the outcome?

"Separation" may not be possible, but I'd like to think of an LLC as an "extra layer" of protection, although you're not completely isolated from risk... just makes it harder for others.

I think paying off a loan with a high interest rate debt and adding to the principal is one way to stay liquid within the property. 

Vacant will be the best option unless you have a good high paying tenant on one side that you can show is adding value.