Jason - First, we care about our users, which is why our policies exist. 

Leveraging existing equity is a solid strategy, but as you pointed out, the numbers have to work.

Sometimes less is more and just taking the step to buy one more might be better than selling your goose that laid the golden egg in the existing successful house.

I have actually cashed out a lot of my IRA now bc I have so much depreciation from RE that my tax bracket is very low and the taxes to pay on the IRA withdrawal are also pretty much non existent (taking aside the penalty). 

got out of flipping to new construction in our market in columbus ohio. licensed general contractor. when interest rates got high single family existing went down by 30% new builds sold at a 6% increase that year which demonstrated the desire and premium that new construction commands. never looking back. total control, rinse and repeat. we can get permits in 28 days. we can buy land cash in 21 days. we can build in 120 days to 140 days and keep moving. super scalable and easy and no risk. we build the same 2-3 Floorplans 

I’d love advice on leveraging my existing assets, navigating seller finance deals, or other tips for scaling effectively.

This is one area where it helps tremendously to have per-existing relationships with people in the industry such as family or friends.

In the case mortgage foreclosure, I usually offer to pay for the existing mortgage and give them a little extra to move.

The existing owner has it in a trust but it is not his primary residence. 

new construction gets valued at a way higher premium. this is a false statement. new construction will always beat existing Very market dependent.