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.

What is the best approach to minimizing the amount of transfer taxes?