But there is a larger risk factor associated with solely relying upon your profits coming from appreciation rather than solely cash flow or a blend of cash flow & appreciation. 

It's easier to blend in repairs and colormatched paint.

Helps it blend in a little better so it's not as bad of an eye sore. 

I see a holistic strategy of blending your investment funding from 1) QRPs and you 2) regular liquidity.

You are right - the front of that house is horrible - but the big problem is that the mini-roof breaks the facade, and the facade blends with the mini roof.

Save or get 3 1/2 % down payment + cost (you save or co-borrower contributes 100%)Parent or family-like relation is the co-borrowerLender “blends” all debt and income for qualifying All borrower must be credit worthy (if of you don’t earn income)Benefits: Parents stop paying your rent since you’ll get roommatesYou’ll become an be aspiring investor that will pay back the down payment or partner with that family member in future endeavorsIt’s a win-win situation which not only the foundation in your financial future but will strengthen the family as a whole as you’ll share more that just a familial relationship.

If market rent is much higher you might have a play to blend returns upwards.

Since I'm technically borrowing 100% of the purchase price by taking the down payment from the HELOC (rather than the 75% loan against the subject property) I guess I could indicate 0% downpayment and create some sort of blended rate that represents the new 1st mortgage against the rental property and HELOC payment.

Bo  and his team is in a really good product and integrates seamlessly with Carrot.  

The bulk of my time and energy drain on this one was finding hardwood to best match 60yr old soft fir 'hardwood' flooring, figuring out how to blend old asbestos tile siding patches with something modern and the main drain and in-wall dryer venting.