Consider exploring strategies like house-hacking or BRRRR, and connect with a mentor or local meetups.

Whether it's optimizing listings on OTAs, leveraging social media, running targeted ads, or using dynamic pricing tools—I'd love to hear what’s working for you.Some strategies I’ve been exploring include: Enhancing property listings with professional experience photography and compelling descriptions, leveraging Instagram and Facebook ads to attract more direct bookings, and utilizing email marketing to engage past guests.What’s been a game-changer for your vacation rental business?

You might have other options to explore to drum up liquidity (HELOC, Margin Loan, Policy Loan, etc) that can supplement your HYSA in the DP.

Consider house hacking by purchasing a multi-family property with an FHA loan, or explore creative financing options like seller financing or partnering with private lenders.

In addition I am giving him freedom to explore (to a certain extent) on my dime.

I'm open to helping you explore your options.

Nothing illegal about doing that, but if caught, the lender may call the loan due and if you don't correct the situation or pay the loan off, they willstart mortgage foreclosure.3) You could also go the HELOC route to tap the equity in the home, but the 12-month owner-occupancy will also apply AND the interest rate on the HELOC will fluctuate with the Fed Fund Rate.4) You could do a cashout refi as an investment property, but that will be at an interest rate 0.5-1% higher than owner-occupied rate.Suggest you meet with 2-3 lenders to explore your options about the above.Once you have access to funds, recommend you buy a 2-4 unit with 20-25% down. - You can buy owner-occupied, live in one unit, and fix up and rent the other unit(s).- If you're handy, recommend buying a property in the worst condition you can tolerate.

If you need help exploring refinance options, let me know!

With 40-60K in equity you could explore selling to reinvest but it depends on what deals are out there compared to yours

For funding, explore options like FHA loans, personal savings, or creative financing, and focus on New Jersey markets that align with your goals, such as Newark for rentals or commuter towns for house hacking.