You've done a great job staking some cash to deploy and took a good step of reaching out to more experienced investors within the forums. 

This will drive how much you can borrow.Consider More Modest Options FirstWith $200k in investments to deploy, look at starting with 1-2 short-term rental properties first to gain experience before scaling up.Explore markets closer to your mom's current location that may have lower costs but still tourism appeal.This allows you to validate the model and your ability to operate short-term rentals successfully before risking more capital.The short-term rental concept could potentially work, but I would recommend starting with a smaller, very well-researched first step to validate the model before going all-in on a larger endeavor.

Not to mention that it is extremely fun to see what other investing strategies people are deploying and where, because everyone is always doing something a little different!

I am a Army Veteran with a 1 year deployment and currently still serving in the Army National Guard (8 years of service) and as a full time real estate agent.

Being an "Investor" start's at $1m liquid deployable capital.     

These clubs are truly for those who want to deploy their capital and have it grow passively.

I was recently stationed in Japan while active duty and throughout my last deployment I committed myself to listening and reading as much as I can on self development, long distance real estate, healthy marriage, and overall life success achievement.

Hi Ujwal - Yes, interest will be deductible as the funds are being deployed towards the other rental properties.

(we have terminated relations with the property manager) We are in the military and deployed over seas. 

Of course, there are always exceptions to the rules---for example, if you can get a greater return on your investment by deploying the equity elsewhere or if the cash out refinance will be dedicated to improvements/efficiencies meant to improve cash flow---these are just two circumstances were your thought process could make sense.