re: Is it worth accelerating mortgage payment to avoid PMI?

How much do you currently owe and what is your appraised value(to your knowledge?)

I would call your servicer first and ask them if you are eligible for PMI removal via a new appraisal or if a heloc would disqualify you.

There's the chance you could do the HELOC and they do a title update and see another lien on the property. They may not remove it in that case.