You can use that scenario as a learning experience when you may or may not encounter future challenges. 

They are about to move out and I’m nervous to rent to a stranger in the future with this same policy.

With the future being so uncertain I realized there was a need to do more than just rely on my job for financial security. 

You have used home equity lines of credit to purchase investment rentals and want to know the best way to pay down the HELOCs.Between the two properties you bought, after expenses, you have $250 a month positive cashflow to use.What I like to do is pay down some principal every month with my positive cashflow.I use my extra active income from real estate commissions helping other investors to pay down the principal even more which just frees up that credit for me to use again.I know I can refinance the HELOC debt before it changes to principal and interest as it is just interest only payments as yours are.One difference is the cashflow, I have greater positive cashflow and could make the principal and interest payment in the future with the extra cashflow I already enjoy.I always get HELOCs on my income properties as well after purchasing them to pull out as much of my downpayment as possible.

It could be a good choice if you prefer more personal space or want flexibility with different rental terms (like longer stays for remote workers).In general, duplexes are more limited in Austin and can appreciate well, while single-family homes give you future flexibility and a wider tenant pool.

I can learn from this group and allows me to have a possibility to have a better future.

I would like to buy a future retirement home to get away from the cold winters but in the meantime would love to rent it out as a vacation rental.What are the good areas to consider and where would I get the most vacation renters and cash flow?

Your breakdown (and future color map) is going to make great wall art in my home office!

This is my first deal and I wanted something to provide me stability for future me

She will get pre IPO stock and we all know what that can do for top execs at a public tech company.