If you are going to be doing the rehab work in exchange for equity then that value needs to be determined up front with a specific timeline that you have to adhere to in order to earn your equity.

I’ve consulted several different people and they have told me in my situation as an investor expanding their portfolio it makes more sense to keep the extra cash as opposed to paying down rentals.

I would hate to pass on it and settle for just earning a commission by selling it.

I ASSUME you’re talking $400+ in extra expenses for providing water, power, sewer, gas, internet, communal area cleaning, and exterior maintenance.

They're pretty organized, but expect annual inspections and some extra paperwork. 

When house hacking a duplex, start by estimating the total monthly rent you can earn from the unit you’ll rent out.

I'm also working on a Google Data Analyst certification to bring in some extra income while I'm home with our 19-month-old daughter.I'm still pretty new to this, though, and I'm not sure where to start or if I'm on the right track.

Earning an extra 3% on $2k that you’re likely holding for less than a year.

It also allows gives you greater flexibility.Plus, once you flip the home and make a few dollars, you should be able to pay the HELOC to a zero balance as well as having extra funds to throw in your war chest.

The extra income is not worth the disruption to our neighbors.Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?