Laughably, in all cases you would have been better off borrowing money to buy CDs in 1987 (although, admittedly, mortgage financing entails some special rates that do make real estate more attractive).

People like to keep their cars parked indoors, it’s very situational.

I started working on a plan on how I can make real estate my full time lifestyle.

Interesting observation, Michael.On a slightly different note, do you know of any contractors that would do small, mostly indoor cosmetic work?  

She is a money maker though, $3850 monthly rent role.I just refinanced my two properties and will be saving $400 per month so I figure the HELOC payment will not change my budget and would be paid off when I sell my primary or refi the additional investment property I purchase.Does anyone see any holes in my processing here?

Yes, network with local STR owners & be proactive, show up at town meetings, educate the rule makers, or your way of making a living will be no longer.

It wasn’t a huge money maker so I never went any further.

@William DonnellyInspection reports, termites, new methadone clinic(s)... you name it.I think the more optimistic among us may call some of these 'Deal Makers', as it's a good chance to ask for more off the property.

If buying using a realtor, you should make it a goal to do no worse than that "1% rule", since properties that meet the "1% rule" usually are fortunate to break even AT BEST.The advice of the other posts is well worth pondering before you engage in a transaction that isn't a money-maker.

If rhd1707 can make real estate investing work you can do it to.Since you are looking to do one deal at a time you will find a way.