Quote from @Kornelius Friske: We have a STR located in peoria AZ. it's 6 beds (garage conversion) and about 3900 sq ft in total. our energy bill last month was $450 and has been hovering in the $350-$450 range since we went live in august.

I believe interest is tax-deductible if used for property improvements or purchases, and it gives you quick access to funds while keeping your stock portfolio intact.Private Money Loan: If you have a trusted partner and terms that work well for both parties, this could be an efficient solution without tapping into your other assets.

Followed Energy credit.  

The house includes high-end upgrades such as custom cabinetry, granite countertops and energy efficient appliances.

Here's how they break down:Fannie Mae HomestyleMinimum Down Payment: 3%-5% (Primary Residence) & 20% Down (Investment/Second Home)Credit Score: 620Minimum Loan Amount: $50,000Maximum Loan Amount: Per County Loan LimitsOccupancy Types: Primary Residence, Second Homes, and Investment PropertiesUnit Maximum: 4 UnitsAcceptable Renovations:-Structural Improvements (e.g., new roofing, foundation repairs)-Cosmetic Enhancements (e.g., new flooring, updated bathroom/kitchen fixtures)-Energy Efficiency Upgrades (e.g., solar panels)-Accessibility Modifications (e.g., ramps, widened doorways)-Luxury Items (e.g., pool)-LandscapingNot Acceptable Renovations:-Commercial Use (e.g., turning a residential property into a commercial property)-Temporary Structures-Non-Residential Buildings (e.g., barns, stables)FHA 203(k)Minimum Down Payment: 3.5%Minimum Credit Score: 620Minimum Loan Amount: $50,000Maximum Loan Amount: $524,225Occupancy Types: Primary Residence ONLYUnit Maximum: 4 UnitsAcceptable Renovations:-Structural Improvements/Reconstruction (e.g., adding rooms, bathrooms)-Cosmetic Enhancements-Eliminate Health and Safety Hazards-Energy Efficiency Improvements-Major Landscaping (e.g., grading, tree removal, adding walkways)Non-Acceptable Renovations:-Luxury Items-Commercial Use-Temporary Structures-Non-Residential BuildingsBoth of these renovation loans are similar in many ways, but the key differences are:1.

The BRRRR strategy is a systematic approach to real estate investing that revolves around five key steps:Buy: Purchase a property, often below market value, that has potential for appreciation and improvement.Rehab: Renovate the property to increase its value, make it livable, and improve its rental potential.Rent: Find reliable tenants who will pay rent, allowing you to generate consistent cash flow.Refinance: After the property is rehabbed and rented, refinance it to pull out the equity you’ve built through the renovation.Repeat: Use the cash obtained from refinancing to fund your next investment property, starting the cycle again.Step-by-Step Breakdown of the BRRRR MethodLet’s take a closer look at each stage of the BRRRR strategy to see how it works in practice.1.

Any capital improvements on a not owned yet property would involve a complex 1031 you’d want someone like @Dave Foster involved in. 

Planned energy-efficient HVAC installations will replace outdated ceramic heaters, reducing tenant utility costs, lowering insurance premiums, and qualifying for utility reimbursement programs—a win-win for tenants and investors alike.Inflation HedgeReal estate is historically a strong hedge against inflation.

Personally If you like your current residence and hope to stay there long term I would forgo major improvements on my primary and use all investment savings to make you more money and cash flow. 

There’s huge retal income potential if you nail that balance between improvements that wow tenants and improvements that merely look fancy but don’t justify higher rents.I’d also keep an eye on how your high end plan fits the local demand.