Because he had a mortgage of $6k/mth and a car note of $2k/mth...in addition to his other household expenses. 

Paying down the principal will actually reduce your monthly cash flow. 2.

Potential new payment on additional Versa for myself would be $175 for 3 years (total guess)Is it beneficial to try and trade this thing in on another 2015 Nissan and end up with owing $6000 or so and have a much smaller, shorter payment?

I'm interested in picking up some additional properties. 

I am now interested hiring accountants or lawyers who have experience working with real estate investors and are familiar with best practices to reduce taxes and protect investments.

@Percy N. my immediate thought as well...My banker (not my credit union - I have both, and there are good and bad for this) and I have discussed the HELOC and it's 5.5% with no additional cost/fees, etc...

Even if it's nominal, or even if you get no additional rent, working on the place while occupied is cheaper than having it sit vacant while you do that work.

@Assaf Furman the premium is based on the building value you are insuring, so without knowing what that is, no one could tell you if that is high or low.I'll PM you some additional options you may want to consider.

In addition don't forget that the rental income also includes a principle reduction amount that adds to your net worth each month.  

If that number factors in maintenance, vacancy, capex reserves in addition to both principal/interest payments and the taxes and insurance I would definitely do the deal. $2580 of annual returns on a $0 investment is a hell of a return.