Will interest rates go up or down when Freddie/Fanny are 100% privatized?   

@Jaren Taylor, not sure if this is why you talk about raising all cash, but given most deals are trading in the 5% cap rate range, and agency debt is 6.5% while balance sheet debt is closer to 7%, I whole heartedly agree that all cash is the ideal capital structure for many properties today, if your goal is to maximize overall returns for your investors.  

While I know Brandon and his team has experience, the going in cap rate is very low for MHP (I was told mid single digit).

Quote from @Jaren Taylor: Quote from @Chris Mason: If you have the ability to market and raise money, then you secure the down payment, and do the normal commercial mortgage process. 

I would say for most people, the 1st position heloc is no a good bet, especially if you have a 1st mortgage rate of less than 5%.Using this strategy with a 2nd position heloc can be just as powerful, so you can have your cake and eat it too!

Unfortunately, weekday bookings, particularly off season, are mostly rate driven.  

Yes, as I'm doing more research, I'm finding that I would prefer to invest in markets that I know personally, so as not to rely on external variables completely.

Right now, I’m looking to buy my first duplex, live in one unit, and rent out the other to offset my mortgage.

I'd expect those rates in the midcity/southdowns area, but not tigerland/brightside. 

My plan is to maintain the status quo and benefit from annual rent increases and equity gain as the tenants' rent covers the mortgage.