I realize that a cash-out refi will decrease cash flow but taking out the equity provides more buying power to increase the portfolio...OR do I just sell one of the rentals to repurchase? 

@Jason Harris There is a lot of power in the technique.

Explain that is the only thing in your power.

I use Guesty for automated messaging, price labs for pricing, and i just started using an AI bot to respond to one off questions, called "guest Guru" too early to tell if it will help, but this is what i would use if co-hosting another property. 

What will happen with a smart lock, is that a habit will be formed that you don't need a key, and when the power goes out, the lock doesn't work. 

(Heater in the winter in the midwest / NE for instance).As you scale up, it becomes easier to stomach, but having 1-2 properties, a big ticket item can really put a dent into your plans.I'm not advocating going overboard and saving 20K a property etc (as that would quickly eat into your purchasing power for more property), but make sure you have some money set aside and a plan.

Has a power pole on the lot.

Also power wash the foundation. 

The 48 Laws of Power The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*The Advantage (Patrick Lencioni)The Tipping Point (Malcolm Gladwell)The E-Myth

What "power" does Obligo have to go after these tenants and collect?