This is one of the best ways to scale a portfolio while keeping low out-of-pocket costs.Big Picture: The Best Move for You•If you need funds now, a HELOC in your name makes sense—but keep the rental in your personal name to avoid triggering the due-on-sale clause.

Bigger Pockets is a great place to find a tax accountant specializing in real estate taxation.

Simply put that money in your pocket and save it up for repairs. 

Any of the second tier large cities like Greensboro, Winston Salem, Asheville, Wilmington, and the surrounding areas will have plenty of options.

Quote from @Samantha Benz: Hey everyone, I am a brand new investor and member of the Bigger Pockets Community.

The planning staff should be able to walk you through any options for zoning changes or variances if there's a way to make short-term rentals work in your case.

Hey Bruce, welcome to Bigger Pockets! 

Virtually staging it could be a good inexpensive option. 

It would cost a lot to get the planning approval and do a complete renovation of the 2 units.Can anyone suggest what would be my options at this point?

Also, I've always wondered why arbitragers don't negotiate an option to buy upfront?