Also, added smart-deadbolt locks to each bedroom for extra security in house-hack situation.What was the outcome?

Transitioning to multifamily can be a smart move, but as you’ve noticed, finding positive cash flow in today’s market can be tricky. 

We've since paid off the HELOC, but realistically it wouldn't be smart to rinse-repeat these days as the borrowing market is obviously MUCH different than it was in early 2022 when we started down this road to begin with.

I am looking at groups like David Greene's Spartan League, the Wicked Smart community, etc.

An FHA loan to force appreciation is a smart move, and with $100K saved, you’re in a great spot.

With that said, a lot of people take the cost-benefit, but no one can argue it's a smart choice, just a frugal one.

I could see others jumping in, even really smart people who should know better.  

Finding a single tax professional who is smart on the varying rules in different states may not be feasible either so those costs go up too.Legal:  Procedures vary in different states. 

I am pretty sold on DataFlik's stacked lists, but I wanted to run this question by all of the smart investors here at BP. 

If a HELOC isn’t an option due to income requirements, a 1031 exchange into an apartment complex could be a smart move to boost your monthly net cash flow and diversify your portfolio.