Cash-out refinancing can be a great way to leverage equity, but there are other strategies you might want to consider to hit your goals faster.1.1031 Exchange: Rather than just refinancing, you could trade up to larger or better-cash-flowing properties tax-free through a 1031 exchange.

@Bradley Hendrix, You can allocate the proceeds any way you want, as long as you purchase at least as much as you sell for, and use all of the proceeds in the 1031 exchange.You could sell the apartment and purchase Two SFHs with a 1031 exchange. purchase one for cash and the second with debt.

Zillow’s Market Reports: These show market appreciation trends across different cities, helping you spot high-growth areas.5. 1031 Exchange:If you sell your current property and reinvest in a higher cash-flowing property, you may want to consider a 1031 exchange to defer capital gains taxes.

Consider bringing in a partner who can help fund the rehab in exchange for a share of the profits.

Just sold my 3 unit and did a 1031 exchange into a 6 unit.

Partner with Other Investors: One option is to collaborate with other investors or partners who might be willing to put up the EMD in exchange for a portion of the profit.

I think we could exchange some valuable insights!

Can anyone verify the tax treatment as of today that a gain from owner occupant unit is applicable for Sec 121 exclusion, and a gain from rental unit is applicable for 1031 exchange?

The benefits of selling as a portfolio is that when you do a 1031 exchange, you won't have to coordinate the sales of multiple properties, And this would minimize the amount of individual exchange fees. 

I’ve periodically had tenants at the Multis offer to “help with the landscaping” in exchange for a discount on their rent.