It sounds like you navigated the challenges well and gained valuable lessons for your next venture.

From what I've learned it seems that a HELOC is probably the easiest way to gain funding but at the same time it comes with risks if the flip isn't successful. 

Cultivate strong relationships with brokers to gain access to off-market deals and increase your deal flow.

@Jason Wray Thank you very much for this response ..I’ve never sold one of my rentals before feels like I’m cutting off a leg and paying close to 100k for cap gains is really starting to eat at me 😵‍💫Any chance you would be so kind as to send me a link to something in the ballpark of what you’re suggesting this way I can get an idea of area and what this type of property could look like!

While automation and calculators can certainly improve efficiency and reduce human error, they can’t replace the judgment gained through repetition and real-world experience.

First, most investors and owners of real estate related businesses are in one or more of the following situations1- they’re unable to duplicate their expertise that drives the ROI and they are at their personal max capacity as to time2- they’re obtaining high ROI by use of excessive leverage 3 - they’re obtaining high ROI by taking excessive risk4- they hit correct timing in the correct market, and this is not necessarily repeatable with any probabilityIn order for an investment or business to scale, we need the ROI (on a risk adjusted basis) to be sufficient to cover a PREMIUM risk adjusted return to passive investors; all expenses of managing the assets and the business, and a significant return to the “sponsor” providing compensation to him making the work, risk and time worth while. 

As you get to this point your gaining more confidence in the options because you know option A and B had a certain outcome that wasn't option C, and this would give you more confidence you're doing the right thing for you.From there, I would be identifying properties to acquire if you don't already have some in mind and then my next sheet is creating the plan.

Talk to an accountant prior to doing the cost segregation study.You want to discuss whether it will be beneficial or not.In general real estate is considered passive which means that it can't be used to offset other forms of income such as wages, interest, dividends, capital gains, etc.However, there are some exceptions where the real estate loss can offset these types of income.best of luck.

You’d also make all future capital gains at least partially taxable instead of tax exempt by converting your primary to a rental.

To gain investor confidence, ensure the investment property numbers are real, use the most common contract forms in your state (versus a 2 or 3-page) internet/guru contract form) with appropriate addenda, or an attorney-drafted form and attorney-drafted assignment agreement.