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All depends on what your goals are and what market fits your game-plan/criteria 

Quote from @Martti Eckert: Hi Bigger Pockets community -I am interested in pursuing the BRRRR strategy in one of several Ohio markets this year.

I know it's not as flexible as a HELOC but as long as your deal flow is good and the tenants are paying the mortgage you won't come out of pocket for it. 

I think real estate investors in the game just become confident as to handle new challenges and they call that being experienced - Just like parenting: you think you are experienced with changing diapers, but the child is growing-kindergaten-grade one-baseball/soccer- soon teenage and the jazz goes on - grandparent

My end game is to show you a path to financial independence, whether that be at 45 yrs old or 70 yr old.  

Likely you will need a few properties worth a few hundred thousand minimum -  how much out of pocket? 

So, I'd like to get ahead of the game and start working up a plan and a strong argument for it which I can use when the time comes. 

Focus on what the rents will look like post-renovation with 4 units instead of 2, and have a clear game plan for refinancing to pull your capital back out. 

It’s humbing and frustrating, but it also teaches you those guardrails you’ll want next time.. like thorough screening, a solid lease agreement that sets ground rules upfront, and maybe even setting aside a bit more cushion in reserves.Chicago’s got plenty of investor-friendly pockets.