If I'm able to achieve the same investment metrics (IRR, CoC return, ROI, etc) is it like comparing "apples to apples" or more like "apples to oranges" since it's with different financing? 

For those who haven't yet seen the news about Apple, this is a good sign: Silicon Valley Business Journal: AppleApple is the largest tech company in the world, and growth for them is growth for Silicon Valley, and growth for the housing market in the Bay Area.

From my understanding and very recent interaction with an appraiser for a large national lender- Appraisals are just comparing apples to apples: sq. footage, property specs- baths/beds, basic features.So- I'm going to actually disagree slightly and say that appraisals can also be on the lower end of what you'll see with comps.

I think you'll get a better rate, and the mortgage will force you to pay off principle monthly where the HELOC is typically interest only.You will also be artificially lowering your cost of ownership by having a I/O HELOC on the house, causing you to think it cash flows better than it really does.

Are you comparing apples to apples?

@David Krulac  its state law here to replant by hand... so to that end I have been Johnny apple seed.

@Mike Dymski  OK apartments are totally different I am talking SFR's .. managing SFR vs apartments is apples to Iceberg lettuce..my clients and or friends that have bigger units here in PDX enjoy completely different level of service first off.. they have what I call true professional managers IE company with 6 thousand doors in 3 or 4 states.

It's apples and oranges - but I'll guess VI is more expensive. 

If they were sold for all-cash then you were comparing apples to oranges, meaning that you may have sold for way to cheap of a price for payments. 

Anyone using the Renatus ios software system?