Using only these assets and liabilities, John's net worth has increased from $125K (SFH1, no debt, no savings) to $150K (SFH1 + SFR2 + savings - LOAN). 

I have saved up about 225k in cash and another 230k in stocks consisting of 401k and iras of with I could pull out a total of about 150k of.

Strongly suggest you to use the BiggerPockets Calculator as well as look into Lease Options as that might be another exit strategy to save on the repair, hoa, property manager costs. 

Assuming we just have the equity from our current homes to work with, what strategy would you employ to maximize passive income?

So the listing agent may have some extra commission if there is no buyers agent saving the seller money if they are willing to take less to sell directly to a buyer.If the listing agent goes “dual agent” representing both sides.

No savings, so I would finance the investment 100% (use my HELOC for downpayment + mortgage loan for the remaining balance).

Hey guys, I am a new real estate investor and I am trying to save money in every way during our second deal, first rehab.

Goals will help with saving, investing, and keep you focused for what you want to accomplish.  

I have my real estate salesperson license, but have only done deals for myself to save the commission.I have decided to dive in head first and focus on real estate. 

@Terri David you could possibly "hire" someone, for reduced rent, to look over the property and do showings, meet with contractors, etc... on a smaller building, but you'd still need someone to manage payments, marketing, tenant screening, etc.... it could save you some money on the management side, but you still need some type of management company, if you didnt want to do it yourself