Sure, I could look for a higher paying job, but I was wondering if anyone has any creative short-term methods to improve my ratio.

My primary focus is on the BRRR method, with a greater emphasis on appreciation over cash flow.For those with experience investing in Cleveland, I’d greatly appreciate any insights on neighborhoods worth focusing on.

The only instance in which that would be appropriate would be if they need payment flexibility, as most HELOCS only require a interest only payment.

I'd send out 500 at a time, using a different mailer/method weekly.

My top priority is having maximum flexibility with what I can invest in within my HSA, second priority is ease of use and convenience of the investing platform, third is minimizing any account, trading, or management fees charged by the HSA provider. 

Now, it’s time to explore the various methods of investing.

Is it better to pay cash or leverage my liquidity to maximize ROI while retaining flexibility?

As Pat mentioned you have a lot more flexibility with home 1 because it has no mortgage and is not owner occupied.

But why would that make them want to use this financing method?

I have heard that it is common practice that private money lenders collect a monthly fee thru various methods, I'm trying to determine what those methods are.