@Andreas Mueller A couple of thoughts....1) That was a great read but a lot of topics to digest.

After putting in my assets and debts, I felt better about myself realizing my net worth was more than I thought haha!

The thought that a new investor would even think of buying direct from a wholesaler or from the seller (or using the listing agent) is ridiculous. 

I thought James was a respectable no-nonsense person?

The reason I thought about putting the other house (not the residence) in an LLC, at least any expense can be considered business expense. appreciate your input. 

I thought I was happy with my ROI around 3.5% for my 2/2 condo but as I continue to read books it says I should be closer to 7-10%.

Many of the other nearby homes are larger, so I thought the demand would be high for a furnished 2BD. 

Interest rate is crazy low (2.63) and the appreciation is ridiculously high if we look at the Zestimate (~45%). even if it does drop down, it will still hold value. 10% immediate loss is duly noted. and that's why it feels like a lost cause to buy now and sell soon.Thanks a lot for the food for thought! 

The first payoff could be higher than you thought as if they are I.

I've thought of a HELOC but looking for a longer term solution.Are there any other options?