In these cases, it is better to treat the interest expense under the general tracing rules rather than under the home equity debt rules.Possible benefits include a reduction in(a) self-employment taxes and(b) AGI, for purposes such as the passive loss allowance for rental real estate, the itemized deduction phase-out, and other AGI-sensitive items.Also, Is it really HELCO or is it just a cash-out refinance of the house where you had equity build up.HELCO must be secured by a qualified residence.

For me, need to reach 100k equity in either principal reduction through mortgage payments, appreciation, and rental cash flow.Terry

After you pay this you are left with a profit of $365/month in addition to the principal reduction each month.

So it may be somewhat wasteful if I could get away just by having that lead full risk reduction certificate where i read dust swab is performed and if below norm - is enough?

Good property managers are hard to find and are worth their weight in gold

We went back to the sellers and asked for 100k price reduction based on comps for 3bed/1bath.

Then, negotiate a further reduction in price for you to go through the leg work of closing out the permit on their behalf - and, naturally, at their expense {any costs associated with closing the permit or rectifying/completing the required work would come from the proceeds of sale}.     

I was thinking this time around I might try to leverage my current asset snapshot to do some rate reduction on my 1-4 unit portfolio as I know a lot of banks will give you some small rate reductions if you are a private banking client.I've noticed that while conventional rate pricing seems to several penalize 2-4 unit properties once you start looking at portfolio banking options that just isn't the case.

Second is one family could be built to a different standard than a two family house, would not be able to bear the weight of an additional floor.

I would also probably take the repair credit over the price reduction so as to save cash out of pocket.