I would have contacted the locksmith tech to get additional details before assuming it was tenant damage.

Should I just save that additional tuition money and put that towards my first investment? 

May see some slight reductions but we are most likely not going from say 7% to 5.5% unless of a major economic crisis which would also cause home prices to get hit.

Additionally, I wanted to begin using properties to pull equity to go towards buying more.

If you own a 2-flat with an additional non-conforming garden unit (basement) being rented, and you're considering a cash-out refinance, how will the lender evaluate the rental income?

Here's the deal: You don't need to withdraw and return the current security deposit just to collect the additional $100.

Simultaneous to that, negotiate price reductions to the greatest extent possible because of this extra cost you are incurring. 

In addition, the Grantor will probably be required to sign the same seller's affidavit that are needed for a non DIL closing. 

I've got about $525K in equity in the property, but lenders have told me that I cannot get a HELOC to access that equity for additional purchases because the duplex was financed as an investment - they have said TX law dictates that HELOC can only be used on primary residences.

Loss of use is foryour additional expenses if you can not live there due to a covered claim (ie.