Our primary focus is cash flow, but the other 2 help balance and ensure a solid investment all the way around. 

Also know, that to my knowledge, STAR can only be claimed on your primary residence.

I just did one on my primary through US Bank and they did 90% LTV at 5.5%.

I've been hesitant to run my credit for anything to say the least, considering that I've had to take a 500 beginning score to a 700+ score in less than two years with no history.I initially started with my primary bank.

I’ve ‘lurked’ boards, read books and blogs but just haven’t been able to actually make a move beyond a personal traditional real estate purchase.

You may want to consider buying real estate with a tax-advantaged account like a Traditional or Roth IRA.  

My friend who bought his primary residence in 2014 has his home appreciated by about 500k.

I am currently moving out of my primary house into another.

(Traditional banks don’t seem very interested in doing HELOC’s).I’ve resorted to just looking on the MLS at this point.

Can someone give me the low-down on 1031 exchange and how it can apply to a primary residence?