Or any other methods that are tried and true please let me know I AM ALL EARS !!

Walls Remove/treatmildew (per surface) $15.00 Repairholeinwall $55.00 Repaint(perwall/ceiling) $30.00 Doors Replacedoor(inside) $165.00 Replacedoor(outside) $485.00 Electrical Replacelightbulb $3.00 Replacelightfixtureglobe $20.00 Replacelightfixture $65.00 Replaceelectricaloutlet/switch $15.00 Replaceelectricalcoverplate $2.00 Plumbing Replacekitchenfaucet $150.00 Replacebathroomfaucet $105.00 Replacefaucethandle $20.00 Replacefaucetaerator $10.50 Replaceshowerhead $27.00 Replacetoilet $175.00 Replace toilet seat $25.00 Locks Replacekey(doorormailbox) $10.00 Replacecylindricaldoorlock $35.00 Replacedeadboltlock $25.00 WindowsandWindowCoverings Replacewindowpane(sgl) $75.00 Replacewindowpane(dbl) $125.00 Replaceminiblind $20.00 Rescreenwindowscreen $25.00 Replace window screen and frame $50.00 Miscellaneous Replacerefrigeratorshelf $25.00 Replacestove/ovenknob $20.00 Replaceplasticcountertop $275.00 Replacemirror $45.00 Replacemedicinecabinet $75.00 Replacetowelbar $25.00 Replaceshowercurtainrod $25.00 Replace shower curtain & rings $13.00 Replaceshower/tubenclosure $350.00 Replacethermostat $80.00 Replacefireextinguisher $30.00 Removejunkanddebris (per area) $35.00 Replacesmokedetector $15.00 Replacecombodetector/alarm $40.00 Replace alarm battery(perbattery) $2.00 Replace drop ceiling tile $10.00 Replace wireless doorbell $35.00 Actual charges may vary based on condition and/or vendor bill.

You can use a money market account to get higher interest, while making the money less available, without locking it up, and still have it easily available, in an emergency.You are doing well, looking at renting out your spare rooms.

One broke a window (not the glass but the locking bar.) which requires a new window.

For other SFR purchases, I'm locking in the lowest rates in a lifetime for 30yr term. 

Also, there is the flexibility of being able to decide if you want to sell it along the way and not being locked it. 

Was wondering how wholesalers find deals and lock up a contract and then find a buyer.

For one of my recent purchases, we locked in a 7.625% interest rate 30 year amortization with 0 points.

Shop when you can actually lock. 

In a perfect world, your primary would be paid off and the only HELOC on it would be for peronsal emergency issues - job loss, medical, etc.Recommend you find a lender that finances rentals, get a refinance going, then watch mortgage rates for the next dip to lock in a decent rate and close.