That keeps our checks and balances and forecasting smoother. 

There are banks selling off performing notes at above market interest for 30-40% off the balance?  

Overall, pretty awesome project and not very difficult to finance UNLESS the properties are very rural OR the rents are low in the area (this second issue is not as difficult to overcome). 

Are there any strategies new investors commonly use to balance personal home upgrades with starting a rental portfolio? 

It was, however, interest only at 2.9% for the first 12 months, I had significant cash reserves, the property that the HELOC was against was worth about 2x the first position HELOC balance, and I owned another property on the same street as the new purchase (very familiar with the location and property).

I'm not sure it would work in the way you're thinking in the mainland because lending/liquidity is difficult here in this current market.

There's very little growth, if any, in the supply of workers and at the same time demand for workers has also come down quite sharply and to the point where we see what I've called a curious balance (Powell).”Fair points.

I do not believe that is possible without significant tax consequences.2) Purchasing any home with an SDIRA requires a truly non recourse loan which is difficult to get and usually comes with a 30-40% down payment because of the risk to the bank. 

You must refund the deposit (or balance with an itemized deduction list) within 30 days of the tenant vacating and providing a written forwarding address.

Property Condition & Amenities: it’s important to, “Maintain to the Neighborhood.”Key metrics for each Property Class:Class A Properties:Tenant Pool: Majority of FICO scores 680+, no convictions/evictions in last 7 years.Tenant Default: 0-5% probability of eviction or early lease termination.Section 8: Class A rents are too high and won’t be approved.Vacancies: 5-10%, depending on market conditions.Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, 3-5 years for positive cashflow, but you get highest relative rent & value appreciation.Class B Properties:Tenant Pool: Majority of FICO scores 620-680, some blemishes, no convictions/evictions in last 5 years.Tenant Default: 5-10% probability of eviction or early lease termination.Vacancies: 10-15%, depending on market conditions.Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, 1-3 years for positive cashflow, balanced amounts of relative rent & value appreciation.Section 8: Class B rents are usually too high for the Section 8 program.Class C Properties:Tenant Pool: Majority of FICO scores 560-620, many blemishes, but should have no convictions/evictions in last 3 years.