The townhome has appreciated in value to about $350k (per Zillow and RedFin) over the few years I’ve owned it, so estimating $150k in equity, about 45:55 self to bank equity ownership.The townhome now has a leak that has lingered and gotten worse over the few months waiting for an insurance claim decision, ultimately being denied coverage so now I’m stuck with having to cover the entire expense.I’m also considering selling the property once it is fixed so I can take the funds from this 1 single family property in Houston to apply towards funding a possible multi-family property in Austin, TX.The quotes to fix are around $15k-$20k, which I’m not excited to just pay out of pocket, nor do I think I really can at this point in time.

Mortgage is $500, rents for $1,450Between just the two rental properties we have somewhere in the neighborhood of $150-200k in equity.

The low interest rate, consistent increase in equity, and potential for cash flow.

I currently have about 300k in equity in the home and I want to utilize it. 

We currently have around 175K in equity in our house we are willing to access some of it utilizing a HELOC but we want to get connected with investors that can help us walk through this! 

Although my wife and I are excited, I know that we could be doing more to grow our money (I also know that many people don't tie in equity to NW, and these numbers are skewed if we keep our home forever).

However, the other benefits of owning real estate are: - Taxes (depreciation/potential accelerated depreciation)- Appreciation (this is NOT always guaranteed, but over time, you will have appreciation)- Building equity (in this scenario, as long as rent is paid, you'll build about $140 monthly in equity)Please note some expenses that are missing from this are: - Management fees (8-10% on average, if applicable)- Estimated vacancy costs (2-3%)- Estimated repairs (5%)Disclaimer: I am a real estate investor and own four rental properties. 

Some have more than $1 million in equity while others have less.4.

I feel like I’m in a good place, but I have over $900k locked up in equity.

But what makes this less of a great example you used, is the fact that you lost hundreds of thousands of dollars in equity/net worth and possibly forclosed on some properties like most Americans did at that time.