Initial maintenance costs to get the place ready to rent (if not ready to go already)There is literally NO way to predict this. 6.

Ton of super old housing stock with a lot of Heroin / Fentanyl. 

Bonus points on the fact they keep it in stock in store.  

On the other hand, a home equity loan gives you a lump sum with fixed payments, which is more predictable and great for one-time expenses like consolidating debt or buying a rental.

@Chris Miller history doesn’t repeat itself, but it does rhyme.I remember 2006, and how the fed was engineering a beautiful soft landing and everything was great and home builder stocks and banks and investment banks were THE stocks to own because all the data was pointing to a rosy future.The only data source you would need is the yield curve.  

I'd really appreciate your inputs.Some relevant info that may help- I'm expecting a size able bonus next yr from my stock vests (~$500k)- the house needs flooring to be replace since the previous owners put cheap laminate stickers that are coming off and counter tops and cabinet repaints. - homes are not renting quickly in my areas and even if they rent its below $2k. - there is a airbnb in my street which seem to have good occupancy Thanks in advance for all your suggestions.

Sell the house and invest in stocks.

A long-term rental gives you a steady, predictable income as you ease into being a landlord.

The building stock is like all the other Chicago urban core burbs, so expect lots of 1950's and 60's construction with galvanized pipes, flat roofs, boilers and outdated electrical.

Inspectors always make things sound really bad, that's their stock in trade.