Meanwhile,  its not unfathomable for the bank who is approving your loans to wonder why this particular borrower feels it's necessary to take such extreme steps to protect themselves...what is it about them or their operation that is leading them to take such extreme measures?

1 - Why are you focused on these two arbitrary rules to measure a successful deal?

Probably tough to measure ROI for me, but I think it is good idea. 

Here in TX the soil is mostly clay, and it shrinks and expands with humidity level (thus the need to "water the foundations" as a measure to avoid foundation cracking), so foundation problems are a common occurrence.

Such data has pushed lawmakers to take drastic measures — including implementing upzoning policies across the state.

It's a great temporary measure to purchase the new property quickly, but you really should be looking to pay off the HELOC fast, like with a mortgage on the new property.

If I read your post correctly, there is a main meter that is read and a submeter that measures what goes to the second unit.

I could also add a non PGE meter for measuring the tenan't power line.

I’m interested to hear how people value cash flow vs appreciation vs any other factors that they measure how beneficial their purchases have been.

It's true that there are several challenges currently, including issues related to fraud, the Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act (TOPA), and pandemic relief measures for tenants.