That's more like a typical security deposit to rent an apartment, lol. 

The premise proclaimed at the start of this thread is simply not supported by mathematics with the exception of the specific case where the interest rate on the HELoC/secure LoC is sufficiently lower than the rate being paid on the mortgage.

Here is my current situation - I can probably secure a personal loan for about 200k at around a 3-4% interest rate with a 5-year tenor.

or have you found various creative solutions to secure favorable terms?

Living and working overseas can present unique challenges when it comes to securing financing, but there are definitely loan options designed for situations like yours.

Add outdoor security cameras (just let guests know they’re there) and maybe some motion-sensor lights for extra safety.

No, it was secured but apparently he used the same collateral for every loan he took out. 

Can You Secure a Second FHA Loan?

From a credit perspective, house hacking also helps you build strong cash flow, which can make it easier to secure financing for future deals.Additionally, if you're targeting high-appreciation markets, you could also look into cash-out refinancing down the line to pull equity and fund additional investments.

Not only will you lose your property tax exemption, but you may need to secure LTR tenants.