Debt increases riskSo why do investors love using it?

As we attempted to standardize renovations, we also worked to improve our inspections, repairs, and maintenance processes prior to occupancy.

Then you are in a better position to increase the rent and improve tenant quality cause the bathroom fix is done and ready to go. 

If I do not, the risks of life and limb could increase substantially.

Obviously that means your two partners in the deal you mentioned may have to increase their cash by $25k each.

I don’t suspect them increasing significantly but also don’t see them dropping significantly either

Net worth = Assets - LiabilitiesIn my case, I made sure  value of my house increased (Asset) relative to the funds I took for a cash-out refinance I did to access the funds for the renovation (Liability). 

I'm looking to increase my network!

As Robert Kiyosaki mentions in some of his books, you are very limited in how you can increase it's value plus you have another layer of government on top of you.Mike

Some lenders will lower fees once you start doing a few deals with them, but they are still pretty standardized.