After playing with options, a cash out refi made the most sense (Heloc rate was mid 4s), because I can get a 2.37 rate (2.6 currently) and have my mortgage move by about 500ish dollars..

My ONLY issue is with having to provide my personal information to an intermediary service provider that should not theoretically play a role in any reporting.

I also intend to live in the property for a brief period of time so house hacking is also in play for this deal.

Of course there are a few more factors at play on the lending side, happy to get into some more specifics if you have any questions. 

You're playing placing a bet on the future game here. 

Anywhere you buy in Tampa could be a good long term play for appreciation- Just keep an eye on the neighbors and how they are caring for their property.

(Talk to a CPA if a 1031 exchange / QOF is available to you).If you purchase another property you can also expect to pay around 5% in fees/costs from loan processing fees, title work costs, etc.Real Estate is a a long-term play, do you think the new property that you will purchase will make up for the sunk costs of selling/buying a new property.Best of luck!

So it was never a money play.. 

Too many people rush into it and a condo or townhome is a safe way to enjoy a property, play it carefully, but also set yourself up with a rentable unit when you are done.

Playing with the numbers in the calculators.