Hi BP - looking for some advice because I am in a sensitive situation. 

Having a grandson that works for Cal Fire, I am always very sensitive to where the fires are burning and the damage being done.

No reason to be so sensitive.

In these cases, it is better to treat the interest expense under the general tracing rules rather than under the home equity debt rules.Possible benefits include a reduction in(a) self-employment taxes and(b) AGI, for purposes such as the passive loss allowance for rental real estate, the itemized deduction phase-out, and other AGI-sensitive items.Also, Is it really HELCO or is it just a cash-out refinance of the house where you had equity build up.HELCO must be secured by a qualified residence.

I try to be sensitive to comments that I make to others when I am face to face with them.  

I have heard Chicago can be tough in this respect.3. understand your property taxes and how sensitive your investment is to changes. for example my rental went from $5500/year in taxes to $7000/year between 2009 and 2016. zero appreciation in that time.

For assets that are time-sensitive or involve a lot of expense/income transactions, the custodian will become a real barrier in terms of paperwork, processing delays and fees. 

(Clearly, for the hyper-sensitive of the Internet, I treat people with speech impediments, etc. as I would anyone else.)For me, this is how I make a living. 

USCIS is very sensitive to the chances of drug profits being brought back from abroad and reinvested in this country by foreign nationals.

I understand the premise of taking equity  rather than issuing debt, but doing so without adequate controls/safeguards is absolutely crazy to me.