This benefit allows the owner’s estate or heirs to receive the property at a new, higher basis—reducing capital gains taxes if they choose to sell the property after inheriting it.In short, partial disposition allows tax deductions for retired property components during ownership, while the death step-up basis resets the property’s depreciated value, providing tax relief for heirs.

If I got a home equity loan for Property 1 and used the proceeds as downpayment for Property 2 and then got a 2nd loan for the remaining 75% purchase price for Property 2, when I sell Property 2, can I use the Property 1 loan as part of the cost basis for computing Property 2 capital gains?

At the same time, my market appreciates well so I gain significant value by holding on for the long-term.

While I haven’t chosen a specific niche yet, I’m leaning toward purchasing a multi-unit apartment where my 20-year-old son could live and help manage while we rent out the other units—essentially a form of house-hacking.So far, I’ve connected with a few real estate agents and gained MLS access, which has been a great starting point.

Focus on the big moves: security, renovations, and cutting dead weight. 

And would this be considered "capital gains" since it's re-sold under 1-year therefore having to pay a large % of tax on the profit?

Given the size of portfolio needed that presses a need for it to be mostly A class assets to mitigate operational weight, so it could push closer to $80m in acquisitions. 

If you have lived in it for 2 yrs I would suggest renting it for 2 - 3 years and then selling it to avoid capital gains taxes. 

There is realized gains & profits, and UN-realized gains and profits.

We lived in the property for 2 years and rented for 2 years to tenants, so by selling now, we ensured that we could avoid capital gains taxes.