A grand negative cash flow is not the issue.

Both properties have a substantial amount of equity that’s essentially sitting idle.Would it be a good idea to tap into this equity (through a HELOC, cash-out refinance, etc.) to fund future fix-and-flip projects or purchase additional rental properties?

@Yooni ChoiFor a first property, $100/month in cash flow might not be ideal, but it’s acceptable, especially with a house hack.

I have a number of lenders that I work with that will do up to 80% on a cash out refinance.

Two flats are essentially just houses.... they trade like houses and there is a lot of emotion involved.

A few times I've reached out to Cash Buyers and they would tell me that they are a part of an Investment Group and that they are ready to quickly Close Deals would be happy to work with me.Later I would come to find out that they are actually a Group of Wholesalers, like me.I guess I would prefer to Work directly with the Investor, Cash Buyer or Flipper. 

Definitely don’t cash out your retirement funds.

They are essentially hoping you don't notice all these little maneuvers and that you look to the bottom of the page to see a positive cash flow.

If there are any books, podcasts, or resources you think are essential, please share them!

The neighborhood has been flourishing, making this incident highly unusual.What initially drew me to the property was the potential for high rent and strong cash flow.