I converted my STR back in December to avoid the newly increased Hotel Occupancy Tax (9% monthly) and to cut out my STR PM (10%/monthly).

Are you thinking government spending is going to actually get cut and inflation was just a flash in the pan? 

Hell I just learned how to cut and paste about 5 years ago..

As the prime rate gets cut, your HELOC rate (if variable) would come down. 

Invest the rest.Now you've got income, a primary residence situation that's crazy advantageous, a piece of rental real estate you can cut your teeth on, minimal or no personal debt, and some active working equity investments. 

The main issue with rental basement is water if it has water issue usually it is a simple fix .Clean gutters ,discharge gutter  water away 10" away from foundation, make sure you foundation soil is slopped away from it .If you need to buy soil get a clay mix .Cut back any tree too close to the foundation look at the drip line that's how far the limbs are out from the tree .If all that is done still has water buy a sump pump  carry the water to day light away from foundation 10" to 15" .

If the cabinets are touching the floor, I'd say put the cabinets in first and this way you know exactly where you need cut the flooring to ensure a 1/4inch gap between the lvp and the foot of the cabinet. 

then u must have an established relationship with them bc most would just cut you out.  

For whatever reason (I suspect to cut cost and time because they were behind) they did not build a retaining wall like they did for the other five properties they built at this time.

And you can start small, buy an old camper, cut a big window, spray paint it black and brown, add some wood trim and sell coffee outside events.