Here are a few thoughts based on your goals:HELOCPros:* Flexible funding you can draw from as needed* Interest-only payments during draw period* Typically lower rates than hard money* You retain full control (no partner splits)Considerations:* It adds debt secured by your primary residence* Rates are variable and can rise* Make sure the rental income will comfortably cover your existing mortgage + HELOC paymentsIf your credit is solid and you have enough equity, this is usually the least risky, most cost-effective option for a new STR.Hard Money LoanPros:* Fast access to capital* Can help you compete with cash offers* Often used for flips or BRRRsConsiderations:* High interest rates and fees* Short-term repayment (usually 6–12 months)* You’ll need a clear and quick exit planThis can work, but it’s higher risk.PartnershipsPros:* Share risk and capital* Bring in someone with skills or market access you lack* Can accelerate your growthConsiderations:* Requires legal structure and strong communication* Profit splits reduce your long-term returns* Can be messy without clear roles and alignmentPartnerships can be powerful if you find the right person.

My goal is self manage our soon to be long term rental and then eventually build a brand around unique STR's, I waant to create freedom for our family, and eventually replace our active income with something that scales and gives us peace of mind.I’m here learn first and foremost but i am also looking to build a team.

Love hearing your story—coming from Patagonia and navigating economic uncertainty gives you a unique and grounded perspective.

I don’t use a land trust in every structure; whether or not it will be truly helpful depends on each unique client situation. 3. 

You're navigating a unique hybrid opportunity with this VA assumption + gap financing model, so let's walk through the best options to minimize your out-of-pocket (OOP) while protecting long-term upside.Strategy: Blend of Negotiation, Creative Financing & Leverage1.

These lower price points seem to come with unique financing challenges (especially when light renos are involved or when the down payment is tight).I’m curious — for those of you working on buy-and-holds or light rehab deals in these kinds of markets:How are you structuring your financing?

They state "The personal guarantee means that if defaults, their personal assets (bank account, income, property) can be pursued for repayment."

The key is:* Don’t over-leverage: Only pull out what you can safely afford to repay while keeping your emergency funds intact.* Have solid plan for the investment property, ensuring it generates enough cash flow to cover the new debt and costs.* Understand the risks - if things go south, your home could be at risk since the HELOC is secured by your primary residence.3.

These units may lease faster than a single-family home due to lower individual rent amounts.Cons of a side-by-side duplex:Double the maintenance workload, as each unit may have its own unique issues.Given that the purchase price and rental income are roughly equal, is there any other compelling reason to choose a duplex over a single-family home?

Add in any reasonable approximation for the millionaires (~29%) who listen to BiggerPockets Money (5M unique listeners) and we are well past that goal, not including listeners to our other podcasts, YouTube viewers, book readers, guests (not logged into BiggerPockets.com accounts, etc.)