Real estate purchase using reasonable leverage, at todays interest rates, will build up equity through amortization.  

I’m also open to alternative strategies, such as private lending or passive investments in funds, to diversify and balance risk.Does this phased approach seem reasonable given the higher HELOC rate?

A local Housing Commission needs a very good reason, with lots of paperwork, to exceed a limit.

Hi,As someone that moved from CT to SC, I will tell you property taxes here are very low, you would feel the same coming from NY. the 4% for primary and 6% for a rental, at least in Charleston County where I live, is not 50% more it is really x3 more , but still low compared to NY, so while others from SC may see it as high, you may feel it is a bargain.Not only that, being a landlord here is much easier, you actually have rights on your property, which is not really the case in NY/CT.I read your mortgage rates are in the 4's, expect to pay in the 8's right now, so unless your plan to pay cash, which, I personally am not sure I would do for an investment, many reasons for that, it is going to be very difficult to make money. if you are looking for appreciation rather than income, it may make sense.Hope this viewpoint from someone that moved a few years ago from similar place is helpful. 

Reason for asking is that I am trying to understand what a reasonable target rent per unit is for specific geographical areas. 

BUT, let’s say for personal reasons you want to “stretch” for faster wealth accumulation.  

To determine what to offer on a rental property:Determine reasonable market rent, NOT the highest!

That is the reason I called them right after signing up to be sure I wasn't on any subscriptions.

It's a dishonest promise.If you are in foreclosure, it sounds like you are either there or headed that way,  what you are encountering is a "foreclosure scheme" they are illegal in most places and for good reason.

I don't know her, never met her, never went to her classes, but from what I saw on YouTube she seemed to know her stuff and classes were reasonable.