The current interest rate environment’s impact on HELOCs will offset any potential benefit very quickly.

I've not invested in CA, and I'd enter that market extremely cautionsly based on various rent control issues, eviction issues, and the political environment seems to be very unforgiving for landlords. 

The debt adverse angle is going to pay off in a higher rate perma-environment.

Right now, the system tends to create an environment where even lousy agents generally can't screw things up.

Depending on the current environment and competitiveness of the market it can sometimes be hard to find the same yield for the same risk. 

Then, you can consider possibly  exchanging those that don't fit your goals.In the current environment, I would be very cautious of making any sudden moves without fully assessing your current situation and returns.

Assumable VA loans will continue to become more appealing, given the current state of the interest rate environment.

Lots of wrinkles in co-living and a lot of hesitation and resistant to change from a financing perspective but can be a solid investment strategy especially in today's environment!

What types of returns are you seeing for your investment property (cash on cash, and cap rate), especially for any new homebuyers in this high rate environment (7%+)?

If you feel any pressure, ask them to bear it themselves or keep the trim.One of the most important lessons you'll learn in life is resisting the fear of missing out and the pressure to say no to things just cause of the environment you're surrounded in.