Additionally, since my parents are nearing the retirement age, I'd like to prioritize low-debt, high-cashflow deals.

The name (former tenant) looked familiar and sure enough when we looked at the credit report there was the debt from us from 2023. 1.

How much weight do you give to the cash flow benefit of cheap debt when the property is priced above market?

Real estate investing can be a combination of cash flow or appreciation.  

Long Term Rental.Please feel free to reach out in my dms - I'll need property address along with your debt / equity/ monthly payment information!

Utter blasphemy, only "unsophisticated" investors buy in cash.An experienced investor once told me "why use my cash, when I could just default on OPM" I know its not popular thought on BP.. and of course ramp up requires it unless you inherit a ton of dough but as we age out I sure like free and clear and no debt.. just the hassle factor of having to make payments :)

They obtain and manage capital, whether it’s private equity/debt, bank financing or personal capital.

To Sum it up, its a good idea if you can exceed the cost of capital (higher rate than your cost of debt) with what you earn on your heloc/debt you pull out and invest.The question is how much gains above is enough to substantiate the risk of your variable interest rate, well thats up to your personal investing criteria.

Two, you'll have a much easier time obtaining a mortgage product if you have a track record of W2 income.In the meantime, continue implementing the strategies you mentioned: save religiously, build your credit, pay any existing debt owed, etc.

Regarding the HELOC question, consider the interest rate on the debt.