Also if the whole property or the yard is fenced then an additional barrier fence around the pool itself isn’t required.

That quote will be the basis for any additional damage request. 

Additional Resources to check, 'FYIs', in case you want to learn more about rezoning in the future)-Look up your address on the city's zoning map here to see how properties in your immediate vicinity are zoned.

So I saved an additional $2500 in taxes after the fact.

Both properties have a substantial amount of equity that’s essentially sitting idle.Would it be a good idea to tap into this equity (through a HELOC, cash-out refinance, etc.) to fund future fix-and-flip projects or purchase additional rental properties?

Additionally, I was not making enough from my corporate job to support any kind of significant mortgage payment.

A HELOC or cash-out refinance on your current rental could unlock additional funds if interest rates improve.

As you alluded to, sometimes a passive note investment purchased for monthly payments “goes south”, and becomes an active participation investment, with plenty of additional capital required for legal fees, forced place insurance, and property taxes.  

States Can Still Require Additional FilingsEven though 506(b) offerings are exempt from state registration, individual states can still require notice filings and fees.

That is an additional savings. 4.