If you have rental(s) or plan to get one and want to decide between long/mid and short-term rental strategies taxes do play a roll if you have high W2 income you want to try and reduce you tax burden. 

That makes zero sense unless you are trying to reduce risk and you have a very consistent NICHE market for those under $100K Sec 8 units.  

Fortunately - we have a good relationship with our servicers and can get frictional matters that arise rectified/resolved relatively quickly, but the frequency of said matters could certainly be reduced.

My concern with the home equity loan strategy is I'd still have the first home mortgage, the equity loan, and a new mortgage (albeit reduced from the down payment).

I will be at the mercy of them for the next year unfortunately, hopefully I have few maintenance issues, this will reduce the opportunities for them to up charge.  

Adding a lead filter may reduce/eliminate lead content, but they are still going to replace the pipe.

Their inflated costs and reduced services make them an unattractive option.

Real wealth is built over time with consistent effort, even when things are difficult.Increase earnings, reduce expenses, save, invest.

Unless you can get the price significantly reduced, walk away Tim!

We also were able to get the property taxes reduced by filing a complaint with the county.