I would only explore second-lien positions loans if your current interest rate is in the 3's.

With today's interest rate, this may be a viable option, compared to buying physical RE.

The assessed value is then multiplied by the local tax rate to calculate the amount of property taxes owed.I’m sure you may be wondering why commercial properties tend to have higher tax rates.

I typically advice a cash out refi over a HELOC if you have an immediate use for the funds since HELOCs have variable interest rates, but you also want to take your current interest rate into consideration.

I’ve had this itch to get into real estate for a long time, but everytime I start to dip my toes in I get the feeling that with prices/rates where there at it’s hard to justify pulling money from risk free 5.5% ?

Valuations prior to establishing residency is tax at different rate.

That rate, TODAY is WAY low!!

The downside of the HELOC is the interest rate is usually higher so you will want to pay it off faster. 

Economists say a resurgence in mortgage rates and inflation could be softening sales at the start of what is traditionally real estate’s busiest season.

I would weigh those two options out and see what costs less overall between an entire new loan and or the blended rate of the two.