We typically see about $1,000 shaved off of our taxes owed on our 9 properties each year and that is with us splitting the savings with the company that protests for us.

He may have just saved you a shitload of money, by leaving early.

I am sorry that happened to you but at least you saved myself and many other investors from this mistake.

If you are upgrading the kitchen appliances and are not able to increase rent or make the home more desirable, then it would be best to save the time and energy to focus on the next project. 

I am planning to buy another home (most likely a live on oneside rent the other multi family) next spring once I take care of some unwanted credit card debt and save some money for a down payment.

That’s a good idea doing some of the work yourself would save on money.

Should I put the 23k on our homes principle for 6 months and then Heloc for first deal or just continue to save and heloc for less in six months?  

Regarding higher costs for tenants, we inform them they can turn down the thermostat(s) in rooms that don't need heating during the day (bedrooms) and those savings can help reduce total heating costs to tenant.If you do not use the furnaces in basement, be sure to run a heater or two down there to make sure pipes don't freeze--winter is only a few months away.

He's got the money, I've got the time/experience/location.I'll take out the loan (Private or Hard money PML HML) and Alfonso will provide the downpayment.Alfonso wants to use RRSP (aka Registered Retirement Savings Plan) money.

I have money saved for a down payment and once I start working I'll be good in the funds department.