Everything I had read and heard was that I should protect myself by having them in LLCs but I didn't realize I couldn't get a HELOC after (which many investors say in their books/podcasts that they use to leverage into more properties)

Approx 5 commercial  properties with total combined value book value 12m .. actual maybe 20-25m?

So, for anyone who is further along in their journey that came across a book or content that was helpful to developing these skills, please drop a comment!

But I can tell you that on average over the past 3 months we have brought in around 8k and this month over 10k in airbnb bookings.  

Both great books.

Quote from @Glen Wiley: I am not a big fan of those rules - I think they are too simplistic.What will your interest rate be?

Fortunately our remedy was fairly simple, large floor fans and new ceiling tiles but it was a massive inconvenience and the damage would likely be much worse if it repeated in units in other places.

Pro tip--make sure your exhaust fan in the bathroom is vented to the atmosphere--meaning out to the outside.....go out the roof or out the side of the unit or secured to an opening in a soffit vent grille off the house. 

I'm a big fan of RE but only as a means to an end.

We added a hot tub to our studio thats 6 blocks back from the beach and it won't stop booking.