Thanks everyone for your thoughtful responses.I did not realize that a HELOC is harder to obtain on a rental property.

Do realize there are other mortgage products out there outside of the FHA loan that could be beneficial. 

Know exactly what your numbers are.This is good advice, but DO realize the following.

I wanted to Refi to pay back my parents and get a little discount on my current rate but realized our Refi's require to live in the Primary for another 12 months, I don't think I can swing it here until next Oct-Nov.No updates seem truly "necessary" right now except for the siding/painting more so to demand higher rent, but I think I am falling into the trap of trying to update too much when the area (Alameda & Federal/ Westwood if your familiar) it isn't necessary. 

@Hunter Vigneault  Thank you, after I posted and reread my message, I realized that the search area was vague; I am looking more in the two states mentioned; I already have properties in both.

It wasn't a bit later until I realized how the other unit looked, etc. 

Hi Tax Experts,I learned in a article that you can actually use the loss created by your real estate investments (of course it's not realized loss) to offset your W-2 wages and other income.  

I've come to realize I really don't enjoy living with a roommate and need to carve my plan to get out of here.

I realize you are the realtor so you didn’t incur commissions but would you mind sharing your ballpark taxes?

As I progressed on my journey I realized how so many in this space are just full of it with their claims.