Tapping into the equity of your mobile home portfolio can be challenging, but there are several approaches you can take:Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC):Primary Residence: If you own a primary residence with substantial equity, consider taking out a HELOC to fund additional investments or improvements to your mobile homes.

However, this requires careful planning and adherence to 1031 rules.Holding and Renting Units:Retained Units: For the units you retain (one for your business and one for rental income), you will continue to benefit from rental income and potential appreciation.Depreciation: You can continue to depreciate the retained units, which provides additional tax benefits by offsetting rental income.With these considerations, this approach allows you to leverage the benefits of a 1031 exchange while maximizing the potential of your investment in the commercial property.

Would I be able to deduct depreciation against my personal w2 income without having rental income for the year? 

Additionally, our strategic marketing efforts highlighted the property's new features, attracting buyers quickly.

Birmingham passed most of the "rule of thumb" criteria recommended (job growth, household income growth) but the downside is population is -18.60% since 2000, and crime is a bit on the higher side (https://www.deptofnumbers.com/employment/metros/). 

Additionally, our strategic marketing efforts highlighted the property's new features, attracting buyers quickly.

If the new tenant is gone in a year and you have two months before you get it turned back around (with additional repair costs), then that is a different story. 

In addition most states should have forms on line. 

Last year, I purchased land and am in the process of building three additional villas, which I plan to sell in about nine months.

Here are some options and considerations:Loan Against Equity/ETFs:Margin Loans:Description: Margin loans allow you to borrow money using your investments (such as stocks or ETFs) as collateral.Pros:You retain ownership of your investments.Generally quick access to funds.Interest rates can be relatively low compared to other types of loans.Cons:Your investments are used as collateral, so if their value declines significantly, you may face a margin call (requiring additional funds or securities).Interest rates can vary and may be higher than traditional loans depending on the lender and your creditworthiness.Securities-Based Line of Credit (SBLOC):Description: Similar to margin loans, SBLOCs use your securities (stocks, ETFs) as collateral, but they typically provide more flexibility and may not trigger margin calls as easily.Pros:Allows for ongoing access to funds as long as your collateral remains sufficient.Interest rates may be competitive.Cons:Similar risks of potential margin calls if the value of your securities drops significantly.Terms and interest rates can vary widely among lenders.Comparison with 401(k) Loans:401(k) Loans:Description: Borrowing from your 401(k) allows you to access funds without selling investments, using your retirement savings as collateral.Pros:Typically low interest rates.No credit check required.Interest paid on the loan goes back into your 401(k) account.Cons:Usually capped at a percentage of your vested balance (commonly up to 50% or $50,000).If you leave your job, the loan may need to be repaid immediately or could be considered a taxable distribution.Potential opportunity cost of missing out on market gains if funds are withdrawn from investments.Other Alternatives:Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC):Description: If you own a home with equity, a HELOC allows you to borrow against that equity at typically lower interest rates than unsecured loans.Pros:Lower interest rates compared to other types of loans.Interest may be tax-deductible if used for home improvements (consult a tax advisor).Cons:Your home serves as collateral, so failure to repay could result in foreclosure.Personal Loans:Description: Unsecured personal loans can be used for various purposes, including investing, but typically have higher interest rates than loans secured by collateral.Pros:No collateral required.Funds can be used for any purpose.Cons:Higher interest rates and stricter eligibility criteria based on creditworthiness.I am a loan officer and we do some of the loans stated above.