You can also hold money for maintenance, capex, taxes, insurance, or other projected expenses.

Honestly, I think you're estimated expenses are a bit low.

Not that I'm a proponent of borrowing just for a tax break, but the interest is a deductible expense. 

You can also write off expenses such as property management, insurance, repairs, etc.

My plan is to funnel the rental incomes from all three properties, along with my W2 income, back into the HELOC while covering all expenses from it as well.

But also with low debt or free and clear property that they can easily access any time in the future with a cash out refinance.

However, if you are profiting over 6 figures, the property might be too expensive to live in order to truly house hack.

There was positive population growth, medium home price growth, low unemployment, good rent to home ratios, and low crime, all of which are factors when I start looking into an area to invest in.  

@Bonnie Low

I’m also open to exploring short-term rentals, private lending, or passive investing in funds—anything that maximizes returns while keeping risk and time commitments manageable.For context, I’d consider leaving my job if this could become a full-time venture that surpasses my current compensation (low-mid six figures).