There's no way to avoid ridges completely, but the goal is to minimize them, then knock them down by hand when the compound is dry so you can minimize sanding.

At that time (as many of you probably know) it was easy to purchase a home with a 1st+2nd mortgage and zero-to-minimal down payment without PMI...so that's what I did. 

I would like to get some input on any suggestions on how to avoid or minimize this tax.

I would like to get some input on any suggestions on how to avoid or minimize this tax.

@Rick Martin the passive route sounds most fitting for @@Mohammed F.Another thing to consider, if your goal is passive and minimal oversight/management, investing in others deals can present a steady set of passive income streams, but you are limited in your potential for massive returns.

Unfortunately I own the house already so what is my alternative or a plan of action that would minimize risk of either prolonged vacancy or renting it out to a person just  for them to default shortly after and not being able to evict especially during a pandemic in a tenant friendly city.

Wondering if you were able to leverage the gain in equity from construction to minimize the cash needed to invest in it?

(The inquiry will have a minimal impact on your credit). 

You could also just do minimal increases if you want to keep the increases going.

You are obviously confusing a minimally-funded whole life with a maximum over-funded policy.