You value the business based on X multiple of current revenue plus a certain amount for "goodwill" or strategic purchase if you have to.  

it seems a little weird because we're breaking out of the "have a house with a mortgage and that's the one you live in and pay for" paradigm that has always been "standard"The other idea was to figure out some sort of strategic foreclosure path.

There are specialized insurance companies that cover REO properties.Your profile is completely blank so I don’t know what state you are in, but setting starting bids, or credit bids, can be very technical and strategic. 

As long as the LO/lender knows what they are doing.Ok time for some next level stuff...Strategically, if you are looking to house hack several properties, there ABSOLUTELY is an order in which you should utilize your financing, so that you don't get stuck. 

You want an accountant that can help you strategize and who is responsive when you want to know the tax consequences of the decisions you are making throughout the year.Good luck and let me know if you have any questions.

I'm trying to understand whether it's strategically wiser to use cash or a home equity loan to pay for that renovation.

Cleaning up the exterior, planting sod, and strategically cutting down trees in the front and back yards added significant value.

The 4th property is simply a strategic land holding.So here I am with 3 solid properties, all generating rent revenue...….ready to start BRRRing ...and the banks and mortage companies won't lend me any money to keep moving :-(Their reason...I don't have credit in the US...as in NONE...no score. 

Are you waiting for post election and re-strategizing your investments based on the outcome?

I think theres a good way to strategically put it together  that maximizes your income on both scenarios.