@Kevin DuongShort-Stay Rentals (STR) can bring in a lot of cash but also come with high costs for when guests come and go and tough rules.

I am looking to use the real estate properties cash flow to also build my retirement within this process and I am just not sure how I will be able to build for retirement as well as build my home. 

Additionally, the costs of fixed rate seconds and HELOC's could come down from the double digits or make cash out refinances more feasible to tap equity for those with low first rate mortgage loans. 

In my experience most condos or townhomes don't cash flow well.

The cash flow would then be used to repay the PML, possibly faster if the home appreciates in value.

Those rents qualify as income to afford a bigger home loan and to offset the mortgage payment.Its also a great way to move out and have a multi-unit property bringing in more cash per month with more doors.

Numbers in FL are not looking great with insurance/taxes/HOA fees/etc for cash flow but willing to  focus more on just breaking even (or close to even) and having significant long term appreciation.Option 2: take the cash, pay 20% long term capital gains and wait as market continues to dip for a prime buying opportunity.Would greatly appreciate insight/advice from those much more experienced and knowledgeable than myself.

Purchase price: $490,000 Cash invested: $61,000 Sale price: $649,000 Nestled in the highly sought Silver Sands neighborhood of New Smyrna Beach, this 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom home offers the ultimate coastal living experience.

How minimal - are you talking like zero cash to put down or do you have some to put up in conjunction with a hard money loan?

For now, I'm a cash flow investor first and an appreciation investor a distant second.