Equity vs Appreciation.  

I have high equity in my current duplex so planning on using that to fund down payment for the next property.  

There are those on YouTube who are very close to violating the law, if not dancing all over the line.In my opinion, the real problems originate when the buyer isn't clearly disclosing the risks to the seller, or violates the Consumer Protection ACT, or doesn't have enough capital to make the payments, or does equity stripping, (some equity stripping is legal, some is not)  12 U.S. 

Yes, you can do a refinance to tap some more of the equity on the property.

I think it’s a great place to invest, all the numbers point to it being one of few left with positive cash flow.

If I had to give up equity I would make sure it was a minority stake and I retained the majority.

Your background in commercial sales and already owning a rental in Manchester’s North End puts you in a great position to scale.

I've also assumed VA loans where little cash was used (seller had low/no equity).

Sounds like somebody had Seller's remorse or a disgruntled student or someone who had equity in a deal that went south.

As a medium-term rental, you'd be in better position to be connected with Insurance Company that way.