But, I would encourage you to also think strategically about how to maximize the "hack" part of the house hacking strategy.

I am a big believer of leveraging the 5% down strategy and moving into the property for 1-2 years.

It's all about finding the right strategy for each stage of the investing game. 

Ideally I would like a minimal rehab project and am open to the larger Charlotte area (Gastonia, Rock Hill, etc).My ultimate goal is to master the BRRR strategy and build a long term rental portfolio.

We practice the BRRRR strategy and have been focusing in Chester/Lancaster.

I recommend that you start by identifying a strategy you wish to pursue, choose a market that aligns with it, and establish your Core 4.The main challenge I observed is that individuals often lack a clear end goal or strategy, or they select a market that doesn't align with it.

Adding keywords related to your investment strategy or market locations can be updated in your settings.

I'm starting to build a business to grow my rental properties and would like to get some advise on what's the right asset protection strategy for me as a starter.I live in CA and currently have 3 rental properties in CA, 2 are long term and 1 is short term.

Is using a HELOC for purchasing and then refinancing a viable strategy, or does the impact on DTI make it less feasible?

The first tax benefit of real estate is that the cash-flow and appreciation grow tax free(in general).Cash flow will likely be offset by depreciation and appreciation is not taxed.If you are making 8% on real estate(combined cash flow and appreciation), you money will double  in 9 years.If you make 12% on real estate, your money will double in 6 years.There are other strategies in real estate(time involved in real estate) where you can create 'paper-losses' to decrease your W-2 wages, interest, dividends.I normally don't like this route too much as I think people can focus their time and attention more on other tasks that can generate a higher hourly return.Best of luck.