Built a nice chunk of equity and also lived for free/cash flowed after I left. 

Purchase price: $250,000 Cash invested: $250,000 Build out income stream with fix and flip upon tenant exit

Purchase price: $500,000 Cash invested: $100,000 Purchase aimed at creating a steady income stream, while also offering significant potential for long-term appreciation.

Purchase price: $375,000 Cash invested: $80,000 Sale price: $605,000 Bought above market rate, held on for 3 years and sold to take out gain for upgraded property.

Purchase price: $830,000 Cash invested: $225,000 The invested gain from the previous sale was utilized to upgrade, leveraging an ideal location for long-term appreciation, ultimately ensuring income during retirement.

You invest to create passive cash flow and grow your wealth through appreciation of your properties, but not for immediate tax savings. 

This is a little surprising that someone who can qualify for $490,000 conventional has no cash for down payment. 

Break even cash flow or positive cash flow (on todays rates)Willing to do value add and development project I would do a house hack in your local market where you live.

When reviewing the cash flow of properties, you discovered the cash flow was not feasible for a property, you could consider a 1031 Exchange to sell the property and replace it with a new property in the most tax efficient manner.Review profit margins and cash flow for each of your properties.Is the cash flow of each property still as projected when you purchased the property?

Definitely a few more options to consider; like refi-ing and getting your cash out regardless.