@Ben Cochran I hope you have factored STR tax savings into your cashflow and ROI as it can be significant.Leveraging equity to purchase a short-term rental (STR) in Tampa Bay can diversify your portfolio and potentially generate strong cash flow, but it also increases your financial risk.While your properties hold significant equity, adding debt from HELOCs or a DSCR loan could strain your finances if STR performance fluctuates or costs rise.

Jersey City tends to fluctuate with rent control laws, right now they are more favorable for landlords then they have been in the past.   

Luckily I am in a prime location and have a unique house.I am still optimizing my airbnb, I need more professional pictures, I need to get Superhost/Primier host status, I need to find a way to atleast be in the first 3 pages in the Airbnb search consistently (which I am currently but it fluctuates), and so on.

While your properties hold significant equity, adding debt from HELOCs or a DSCR loan could strain your finances if STR performance fluctuates or costs rise.

Even then, we've been blessed to buy at such a good cost to value ratio, our leverage is strong and our positions in each property is comfortable against potential market fluctuations, so I just plod merrily along scooping up a deal here and there when it presents itself. 

I realize that these numbers change depending on size of the property, position type etc. as well as every market is different and fluctuates. just trying to get some general advice on this.

@Ash Gowda - typically a 1.3-1.35 dscr.  5/7/10 (all dependent upon the lease term and re-ups); Rates fluctuate but for now from low to high 6's fixed.

There are exceptions - some properties are set up such that installing a few electric baseboard heaters might be possible to save on the gas bill - but i would still just shy away if not metered separately at the outset.  10) do shop for a lender and compare (usually pretty standard but there can be some fluctuation) - dont fall for the ones that sound too good to be true - there are gimmicks out there - big bank or reputable broker should do you fine.  

Here’s what I do with my rentals:I either have tenants split the utility bills or include a clause in the lease that states if the gas or water bill exceeds a specific amount ($X), the tenant will be responsible for the overage, provided there are no leaks or other infrastructure issues contributing to the high usage.To determine this $X amount:Water: I take the highest water bill I’ve had over the past year (excluding periods where leaks occurred) and add about $15 to account for small fluctuations or potential increases.Gas: For gas, I calculate the median bill during the winter (when usage is highest) and the median bill in the summer (when usage is typically lowest).

As for getting a HELOC, it's prime + index (fluctuates based on the market), so to answer your question, if you are able to qualify by yourself, then it's always a better option to get a loan solo, then use your spouse's income as a backup for future investments.