Our house and the acre was still enough to achieve our goal, but again something for people to be aware of because it did substantially cut the amount the bank will take as consideration.I will continue providing updates on our journey, but hopefully this information will be helpful to others looking at HELOCs to start their real estate investing future!

Cut out the PM's 8% and now we're talkin'!

Or cut floor joists? 

If the code violations exist because someone had to come out and cut the grass or weeds then it will be listed with the department that does the delinquent property taxes. 

That's the backstory, and here's the new twist...I just got a letter from a lawn contractor, and unbeknownst to me, my renter had hired the contractor to cut the grass, and the unpaid bills totaled $952.

Hi @Ben Roberts, I let sellers stay in their homes very often. its a good selling point.I do rent back or delays closing. usually anything from 2-8 months depend on the property and the upside i have in it.If i need to obtain consents / Permits from the City for subdivision or any consent im happy to give them 6 months so i cut the holding costs.If its winter and I rather rehab on flip in the summer im happy for them to stay too.Some time rent back is better for the buyer if they have deadline for loan "pre qualification" so you know you IN and used you PQ.

Being helpful during a hard time like this is both good for the condition of your property and karma, but that does not mean making irresponsible decisions that open you up for financial loss.Help them cut the cord the best way possible and get a stable tenant.

Because there are so many of them, they can afford to cut their rental prices to compete.   

That is the price you pay for investing in a market with high demand and limited supply, but those same dynamics cut both ways ... that which is difficult to buy is easy to sell or rent and will tend to go up in value over time if the fundamentals that created the high demand and limited supply are consistent (which they are in CA).

Ohio made the cut!!