@Chris Agun - I love the flexibility that a HELOC provides. 

With the new commission rules you can stay flexible with an offer of buyer agent commission, rather than having to commit to a certain percentage going to the buyer agent upfront. 

@Brody TrottStarting a real estate career as a firefighter offers lending advantages and flexibility.

But it's cool that they're flexible.

My job is flexible which I think would be important when trying to manage my first property so thats why .

This gives you the flexibility to find a deal on your own timeline and to act quickly when a deal does come up because you won't need to get bank approval to use the line of credit. 

After considering some of the variables and running the numbers again, I'm looking at pulling a HELOC on the property as a way to hold on to the current property, but also have flexibility in investing in some other OOS markets.I do think Bend will continue to appreciate and grow as a desirable market so I'd like to hold onto the property (plus it has great cash flow!).

In a soft insurance market, coverage is usually broader, lower deductibles are more accessible, underwriting is usually more flexible, and premiums are generally aggressive / lower. 

You will also know better if buying around 56 works for you and your wife after you have been here for a while.Renting is not ideal, but it does give you more flexibility.

Companies have considerable flexibility in choosing where to set up new operations.