I think RI will continue to appreciate and over time as you(tenants) pay down the mortgage creating more equity.

I was playing with the idea of selling my condo, taking 300k of the equity to put a down payment towards a house listed at 660k.I'm assuming the reno will run $300/sqft and going in with the assumption that phase 1 will run 750k (figure the expansion of the house will have to wait) for the gut reno.I assume/hope (but definitely not banking on) that I will be able to refi in 2-3 years at a lower interest rate; if not for a lower rate.This will likely be a family home for the next 5-10 years at LEAST so investment value isn't quite at top of mind ATM.Questions:Even if it's not for lower interest rate, do you feel it's advisable to refi to remove the 203 loan in the future?

I have two questions regarding mortgage interest tax deductions.First, last year, I purchased a HUD property at a significant discount and used a $70,000 HELOC from my primary residence for the down payment.

Good point - At least in FL, since I am licensed I can pay to the other agent's broker legally.We pay the same regardless if it is an RE agent or not, i.e. we pay that same rate to friends, family, current clients, vendors, etc.

Generally - the depreciation on the structure, mortgage interest, property taxes, repairs & maintenance, insurance, property manager, utilities, vehicle expenses (mileage), professional fees (reports/CPA), home office (office supplies, percentage of utilities, continuing education).

I asked my CPA if I should check with my mortgage company before transferring the deed, but they advised that I just do the transfer through an attorney and not explicitly inform the bank.A few attorneys I consulted also had mixed responses, saying it may or may not be an issue, and that many investors do it without problems.Instead of transferring the properties directly to the LLC, would it make more sense to:1. 

I believe it is 50% down, rates around 13% and term around 5 years.  

Be sure that you are honest from the jump, your estimated rate are only as good as the info you give them.

My wife and I have overhauled our personal budget to reflect the 'pay yourself first' approach (allocate in order: income comes in -> invest -> donate -> fixed expenses -> variable expenses -> fun $$).We are looking to see what experienced people generally recommend for a holding tank for that 'invest' allocation while we target our first real estate deal.What financial vehicles have you guys used that works well for this?

Then at the very least, someone is putting a significant amount into the equity on your home, and is also paying down your mortgage.