If you pulled the money out and invested it wisely, the cash you pulled out might make you $500K in cash flow, tax benefits, appreciation or other benefits.So, do you want to avoid $259K in long-term interest or make $500K in long-term gains?  

What tax benefits might you receive that could potentially offset some of your tax burden with such high income?

Hi,I have done some longer live-in flips and was the buying agent on the current one.I am now going to be flipping (not live-in) as my main source of revenue and trying to figure out where to hang my license. 

BUT the benefit of a house hack is to save money on living expenses.

For me that'd be the main things.

Unless I rent the home long term for $5k a month and take on and extra $500 out of my own pocket until rates go down and I refinance or rents increase enough to even out or better.And that's a great point about owner occupant tax savings, it would benefit me to at least hold out until December.

Is cash flow the main objective?

VRBO, AirBNB and Homeaway (kinda defunct) are what we get.If you simply concentrate on the 2 main OTA's, you will be just fine.

I agree with a lot of the advice above, but it is important to develop a professional relationship that lasts so the mutual benefits can continue.

The main thing is just doing a great job of vetting your tenants.