I would like to refinance but my partner wants to continue buying property out of pocket.

I purchased a duplex in May of this year and moved into the bottom unit with the intention of renting the top unit as well as the sf I moved out of which would put me in positive cashflow (the top unit of the duplex does not cover the duplex mortgage entirely on its own). 

I don't like all the email junk BUT I do get it because it keeps your name in front of them.

Plus they are all busy doing occupant custom remodels.Flippers and landlords like me have alwyas been forced into being hands on, the crew chief, over handymen and a few licensed trades.   

They "suddenly" look like geniuses 30 years later.1.

With that said, my goal with advance booking is to bring-in a decent amount of revenue during the offseason (winter), but don't want to scare anyone away with a large initial deposit, and of course I'd like to discourage cancellations.  

There are some good books that are low cost as well.

Andrew,i live in a rural location where the convenient store has the Post office attached/renting from them.i know the owner pretty well & can inquire)let you know. 

For instance, it may look like paying the $700 difference of renting your current property plus whatever your portion of the house hack would be (hopefully a significant amount less) and being similar to what you pay now or maybe a bit less depending on what you get for the house hack.

I think it might help some seasoned landlords answer your question if you share details about your rental like bed/bath count and sq ft.