I've been getting pretty defensive myself, focusing on low-leverage, high cashflow SFHs, sold half my stocks 9 months ago into hedge assets and am stockpiling cash reserves for the "reset."

What is your system for making there is enough money in reserves to service your properties without having to stock pile cash? 

At the end of the day, people are what’s most important.If your goal is to save or stockpile the most money, then yes, renting out the new house might be the best bet if you can leave for cheaper elsewhere (which it sounds like you are).

On top of the HELOC I could take out, I also have about $100K in stockpiled cash and another $100K I could take out as 401k loans.

I'd recommend the following ideas:1) If you can't find great deals right now, stockpile as much cash as you can and keep it ready for when the market turns a little south (this is the second longest bull market we have ever had for the stock market, so it will go down and pull housing with it a little).2) Try different approaches.

This comes with it's pros and cons but I don't see that as a bad option. or...I was also thinking of staying with my parents another year or 2, stock piling cash from the house flipping I do with my parents business, and then save up enough to buy a 8+ unit building to rent out.

I’ve never added any college type housing to my portfolio for various reasons and may just continue to stock pile cash for now

I can invision myself starting in 1 year - I already have va strategy in place to stockpile $18K in the next 12 months, thus having substantial start up money I presume.

Stockpile as much cash as possible to weather a storm, be vigilant on the acquisition, and get your systems organized now while there is still stability.

Our goal is to rent the back unit out for a couple years cutting our mortgage payment in half or so while we stockpile cash for our next deal.