I appreciate the insight that you and John offered regarding the lack of value in the business itself and strictly the land + improvements.

Last question, how significantly would the APR improve if we leave 30% in vs 25% or 20% on a HELO? 

If rates improve slightly, a cash-out refinance could lower your mortgage rate, but ensure the numbers work with your long-term goals.One thing to consider is your return on equity (ROE).

If you decide to join, take their claims with a pinch of salt and conduct your own due diligence.My experience has not been positive so far, but I am hoping for improvements in the future.

1.To extract equity in your property by re-mortgaging if you brought the property with a mortgage is normally not possible, it might be if you have extensive building improvements. 2.Getting a mortgage on a property you own 100% of is usually possible.

Say you paid 100k 6 years ago and have done nothing to improve the property value.

Smart investors first focus on finding quality properties—such as those in thriving areas of Brooklyn or potential neighborhoods around Manhattan—and then reverse engineer the process by improving management, optimizing rental structures, or enhancing facilities to make it worthwhile.

Improve the location and appreciation potential. 

If you know how to make rates of return higher than that, I would say it is better to invest the money than pay down your mortgage early.If you don't know how to do that, then either pay down your mortgage or learn how to improve your investment returns.

I never paint, swap rugs (except flooding), or do other improvements on rent controlled units This can lead to blight.Who benefits from rent control?