Currently in DFW (assuming, because MKE may be similar in this regard), I would find it a surprise if you cover your cost of living completely (i.e. living for $0, or getting paid while in the unit) at this time of relatively higher (read: historically AVG) interest rates compared to 2-10 years ago.  

I don’t see the sense in paying off my own house at presumably low interest rates, and exchanging that for a higher rate, variable interest line…unless I have a really good plan for not losing my house.  

Our strategy is to improve the property and raise rents above the HUD rate. 

This old school approach has been super successful, and I definitely respect it, but there's no way I could manage a paper calendar. 

Just look up amortization schedules, and fill in the blanks for:  principle, interest rate, term. 

I'm curious about how they are able to convert your business credit cards into a cash line of credit while avoiding the high balance transfer interest rates.  

In my mind, it is simply a hurdle rate.

So we've got a return of 23% on our first and a return of 175% on our second.TL;DR - Are owning free and clear assets better than having high rate of return? 

This could be attributed to the higher quality of life, better schools, and overall satisfaction with the living conditions in the more upscale areas and there is no thing like 0 vacancy. 

As a company we help investors with: - Sourcing properties in areas that should appreciate, have lower vacancies, and higher room rates based on our data from current properties.- Starting properties from the ground up with our expertise in what is needed for a rental to last and run smoothly, from simple furnishing to complete remodels/renovations.- Running properties as the businesses they are meant to be.