1.Finding Value: Identifying properties with strong upside potential is critical in markets like Antioch.2.Rehab Management: Staying under budget and on schedule ensures better cash flow and quicker refinancing.3.Leverage Matters: The HELOC strategy allows me to scale quickly and acquire more properties without tying up personal capital.

BUT.... but, but, but, also how a person manages will impact this.

I personally wouldn't hold a property without it.

The new person must complete an application and pass the screening.

I’m guessing that is because of your pessimistic view on the economy right now, but even if the markets dip temporarily, based on history, they will rebound to even higher points (I know just cause it’s happened before doesn’t guarantee it will happen again).Personally I have a successful business, but opted to diversify into real estate because my industry is heavily regulated and one change of a law could make me MUCH less profitable.

Given the details you provided, I personally might not want to settle this in mediation with this tenant however as I'd probably just want a judge to cut through the BS and tell them to pay up and get out at this point.

Any insights, advice, or personal experiences would be greatly appreciated!

Personally, I'd spend a little more if I knew there was significant value add there.

I also use their virtual credit cards which enables me to assign a card to a specific person, like the cleaner for my STR for example, so when she runs a charge, it automatically drops into the right account in terms of categorizing my expenses.

this is only a good idea if you have reason to believe that the area will be appreciating quickly, which is called speculation and akin to gambling not investing. me personally, I would rather put my money on black than bank on market appreciation. negative cash flow rentals are a time suck and money suck.