This way I am taking advantage of the benefits of leverage, (appreciation of a larger amount than what I have in the deal, tax benefits, more units etc.) and I have a cushion of houses that do not have a mortgage so I have good enough cash flow to handle market fluctuations. 

Came across this in "Lessons of History" that couldn't ring more true: "Perhaps it is one secret of their (the wealthy) power that, having studied the fluctuations of prices, they know that history is inflationary, and that money is the last thing a wise man will hoard"Put that capital to work!

HELOC is great if you intend to pay it down sooner than later - keep in mind that with a HELOC the interest will fluctuate over time (and jump a lot after the introductory period), and it can be called by the bank (ie: closed) at any time - it happened to us in 2009 after the last market bust and we had to scramble to get approved for another one by another bank.

Since RE is my full time gig coupled with our efficiency in finding these deals and getting them done, our return on investment and time is pretty good as well as our exposure to market fluctuations being very low.  

I also have a fluctuating amount of cash each year from business profits. 

My rating on forum to forum or my profile in general seems to fluctuate drastically.

They can't stomach the daily fluctuations and like hard assets with set leases and knowing what they are getting for return in the commercial space.

The hotel might make 8.0% a year, but the exit in 5-10 years is very murky and uncertain- hotel revenues and cap rates can fluctuate wildly during a downturn. 

Since the portion of rent the tenant pays is based on their individual circumstances including job income there can be fluctuations in what the programs pays and what the tenant pays. 

Your were right by seasonal fluctuation, house was rented in April of 2019.