Consider options such as adding to down payments, reserves, or investing in other income-producing assets aligned with your financial goals.Next StepsTalk to Lenders: Discuss your financing options with lenders, including the possibility of a cash-out refinance or HELOC on your CT property, and explore the 10% down payment product for your next purchase.Real Estate Market Research: Identify potential markets or properties that fit your investment criteria, whether for house hacking in Las Vegas or remote ownership.Consult Professionals: Engage with a real estate agent, tax advisor, and possibly a financial planner to ensure your investment strategy aligns with your long-term goals and financial health.By leveraging your existing equity, navigating financing options, and resolving tax matters, you can position yourself and your girlfriend to successfully expand your real estate portfolio this year. 

I am not super familiar with your market (although I'm sure it's similar), we have a ton of local Chicago real estate investor meetups.Getting to those things in person changed my life, and I was able to connect with mentors, experienced investors, and a lot of good people.

My sponsors will market their net fees, but I have not participated in any pref equity positions, so not sure what is "market".  

Many people online will tell you you can QuickClaim it yourself (which you can), but I always use an attorney. 

I'm looking for recommendations based on your experience with insurance companies that cover STRs in this area or other mountain markets that are comparable. 

That’s far better than they can make in the volatile stock market  annualized year after year in cash flow alone.

I've been toying with the idea of doing some FaceBook marketing but haven't had a chance to really dig into it yet.  

I've read Michael Blank's book: Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing and have started to do some research on markets I want to invest in. 

He put it the market and the real estate agent advised him to add a closet to what had actually been a bonus addition to the two bedroom one bath house. 12 years old at the time my father asked me to give it a try.

I'm ignoring it because it sounds suspiciously like a marketing ploy.