Granted, rent would go up over the course of 10 years but I imagine the interest on the HELOC would also.So how can I repay a HELOC and not reduce my cash flow down to $140 bucks?

I have a whole post about it.https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/61/topics/364937-reducing-flood-insurance-costs?

Fyi they did reduce the rate from 12% to 5.75 on the mod

But you also say you have reduced the price twice.  

Pretax 401k contributions reduce your taxable income in the year of the contribution whereas Roth 401k contributions are made with after tax funds, but the earnings grow tax free. 

You the agent think I am getting 3,000 minus the split so I will reduce by .50 to 2.50 commission.You think you will get half off 2,500 or 1,250.

If I borrow from my bank, I can achieve better rates and reduced closing costs.

Over the past 2 months, I've implemented the following changes that have turned this guy around 360 to where he is a ROCKSTAR now:Base pay was reduced by 40% and commissions were doubled. 

Suburbs are better- but rent reduces as well.

I think if you're comfortable with it and your screen your tenants well, it shouldn't be a problem.I think reducing sob stories and tenant drama has more to do with how you screen your tenants and how you "train" them so to speak.