Hello Tatyana,I think that there is a lost art of Seller financing currently, I think that you can make the argument that seller financing is safer than buying a CD in a bank. 

Best of luck, I bet it would be great! 

you bet.

You’re right that first lien positions are generally safer and preferred, especially as you’re getting back into things.

.)- DSCR Loans - typically your best bet if you don't quality (or have "outgrown") conventional or looking to scale a portfolio or diving into more specialized markets. 

I think that is your best bet.

If it's unable to be rented, a bridge type loan that Erik mentioned may be best bet.

I guess my main dilemma is taking out more money against the house that I’m currently in a good situation with to put that equity to work VS. not tapping that equity and moving forward with a conventional loan on another property in a “safer play”.

Otherwise your best bet might be to network in local REIAs with other investors who purchase at tax sales.

. $250K a unit is also somewhat realistic in those submarkets, though not impossible.Your best bet is a value-add strategy on something that has significant upside with a high growth submarket.