When you're ready to rent, consider refinancing to eliminate PMI and potentially lower your rate once you've gained at least 20% equity.

To maximize my cashflow and gain landlording experience, I’d do STR and MTR in the other units, as well as the other bedrooms in my unit.

Did you inherit this home with a step up in tax basis or will you need to pay taxes on any gains if you sell?

This one is a big improvement because we'll gain a lot of space, a more "house-like" layout, and a garage, and a third bedroom!

If you don’t want to spend money I’m pretty sure you could get someone to grade the surrounding dirt and add some gutters for your $5k discount and gain you will have added value and come out ahead.

Or sell using the 1031 exchange along with a partial 121 primary residence exemption There is a way you could take advantage of the 121 primary residence exclusion allowing you to take the first $250k of the gain tax free ($500k if married) and qualify for a 1031 exchange.Say you purchase a property as your primary residence (house hack extra rooms for extra income) and lived there for two years while stationed there.

This strategy showcases how buying directly from motivated sellers, renovating strategically, and selling retail can yield substantial financial gains in a relatively short time frame.

However, this also means walking away from future appreciation gains and potential rent increases.As for a HELOC on an investment property, yes, it’s possible, but terms are typically less favorable than primary residence HELOCs.

They will get you the plaster price and take a portion of what they gained you.

It’s a great reminder that showing up consistently and putting in the work is what truly builds long-term success—whether in real estate, construction, or any other industry.Your experience proves how valuable it is to gain knowledge from the ground up.