Im not a flipper but I've done a few projects that required short term loans and have found that private money is:  1. cheaper, 2. more flexible, 3. excited to be part of the journeyPeople would rather pay a stranger who would happily foreclose on you 10-14% but hesitate to ask their own Aunt if she would want to make invest at 9%. 

They overcharge people and pigeonhole them into their strategy without any flexibility.

We found there is a large demand for the flexibility of month to month rentals.

This gives you flexibility to draw funds as needed rather than taking a lump sum upfront.2.

Appreciation:You're absolutely right that cash flow gives you the flexibility to cover operating expenses, deal with vacancies, and manage surprises early on.

Plans can always change, but having that kind of flexibility is key.

This allocation offers a blend of growth potential and stability while ensuring flexibility. 

  #1 you need the flexibility to go to the sale or bid online on tax sale day

The CO market can certainly be pricey, but there are definitely good options if you are flexible with location. 

As rates come down, it will make that budgetary decision (buying a home) more palatable and will give buyers the "flexibility" to offer more in multiple offer situations as demand will increase with rates falling.