Using a HELOC or home equity loan on your personal home could be a good option, especially if you can secure a low interest rate and manageable terms.

I’d also prioritize getting pre-approved, securing financing, and starting small to build experience and momentum.Good luck!

Can you either rent out your current property if there’s been little/no appreciation, or sell it tax free?

The fact that you have a TAX-FREE income is crazy good.  

Assuming plans are needed to secure a permit.

It takes a lot of energy to thoroughly vet a deal and a borrower to make sure financing is secure.

When I look at the equity and the 15% Capital gains tax bracket I would likely be in, I would avoid ~$24,000 in taxes if sold before Aug. 2025.- I am aware of my 1031 options should I want to sell and defer taxes beyond that 3-year date (and would need to continue to do so until death if I wanted to avoid those taxes instead of just defer them). - I believe the current rental situation I have is better than the property warrants.

On your tax return you would report the proceeds, subtract costs and proceeds paid to seller, then the remaining profit would be your flat fee.

Leveraging our market connections, we identified the property’s potential and negotiated favorable terms directly with the seller, securing it at a highly competitive price.

You would have had to be there for at least that to save on the capital gains taxes (up to 250k).