The thread addresses a different topic, the Real Estate Professional status, but the same principle applies to the hours in both contexts.

Does anyone have an objection as to why I should continue with these services?  

Rentals boil down to how much do you net after paying principle, interest, taxes, insurance, and a maintenance reserve.  

Let's say at 6% over 30Yrs will be about $960 per month(Principle/Interest) with the remaining  interest only portion $40K costing roughly $200 per month. $1500- $960 + $200 IS $340Cash in your pocket after everything roughly $1500-$1160-$340 which is not bad for a 100% financed deal(INFINITE RETURNS)Now, If you ran this analysis on a 1% deal as @Nicholas L. mentioned you will undoubtably end up in the red each month.All the best!!!

I pulled $35K from my wife's roth IRA principle and took out a $50K 401K loan for the remaining down payment. 

My only reply here is to say to simply focus on the business objectives.

There are alot of risks using your heloc and you need to understand how you will make the monthly payments for the heloc AND how you plan to pay off the principle of the heloc.

An emergency fund needs to be liquid, and immediately available to you in addition to being low risk and protecting principle. 

@Matt Weddon, I try not to even think about those types of things UNLESS there is objective documentation or they admit to doing something specific.

Consistent cash flow: Reliable income to build wealth.Less stress: Stable tenants and well-maintained properties mean fewer headaches.Long-term appreciation: Steady growth over time.Resilience: Weathers market downturns better.Ami I chasing "shiny objects" or building a solid foundation?