When they started screwing with us last week about appraisals and then having to give them an ‘after reno’ price for the house when they had no idea what we were doing the house to increase its value, I did mention to the partners I thought we’d been scammed.

One of the best ways to start investing imo, especially for young people who can be flexible on location, unit size, etc.3- look for properties with value add- renovate and/or reconfiguring units, maybe adding an ADU in basement or garage conversion, upside in rent increases via tenant turnover due to natural attrition, buy outs, etc.

Assuming you go the HELOC route, another option to reduce your costs assuming you have decent credit is to look at credit card balance transfer promotions.Back in 2003-2004 I had HELOCs on my investment properties and interest rates were increasing.

Just not sure how often they are getting rented

This is an okay fix for now, next step I am looking at checkbook control to increase flexibility. 

Any impending Insurance coverage or increases?

Why would you take your cash, and spend it on a property you don't need to spend it on, instead of using that cash to increase your properties,...and income.

You can buy and rent anywhere.

Cash-Out Refinance – Refinancing one of your properties to pull out $30,000 in cash can be an option, though it may extend your loan term or increase your interest rate. 3.

There will be no assessment for increase in taxes or insurance so remains at $1935.