When the stock market tanked as states/cities enforced stay at home orders and forced businesses to close, the appetite for these loans dried up immediately over night on the secondary market.

If it is, it's a better idea to refi at today's historically low rates and maintain as strong a cash position as you can.You also need to keep in mind that a bank can decide to close a HELOC basically at their discretion...like if you no longer have a W2 and they're worried you won't be able to pay.

That's whybi was thinking too, but after consulting friends, who dont own rentals, they all said to maintain as I am with the rentals paid off and buy one by one. 

I would not advise to put money that you'll need in the short term into stock market...high yield savings would be good as an option.Best of luck!

I was looking for the same but have stopped due to all the issues with maintaining the properties and tenant issues.

Regarding buying "good buy/hold cashflow multi-unit properties" - they are still not hands-off as you will need to make decisions about maintaining, renovating, etc that can have a big effect on the success of the property.

I'd rather track my money movement with a tool like Stessa and have the properties feeding into the same account to keep my head right.You're thinking well about that downpayment money . . . getting a 1% APY on it and maintaining full liquidity fits the bill when you're looking to deploy that money in a purchase in the near future. 

The limitation is what they have in stock.  

Maintaining a good relationship is important to me, but I would appreciate any off-the-cuff advice and would like to know if I could be required some how. 

Current gross revenue is $4,925.00, property tax is $800/year, tenants are responsible for all utilities (on city sewer and water), tenants are also responsible for yard maintenance (they can pay $10 to have their yard maintained if they don't want to do it), owner is responsible for upkeep on empty lots, 3 are on HUD payments.I own other property in the area (not rentals, recreational) and I have good contacts for maintenance and upkeep, I also have someone I trust to manage the property (I live 10 hours away, but I spend roughly 60 days a year in this area).