Funding Deals as a New Investor

[Tyler Grein]

Hi everyone! I'm looking for some advice on how to fund properties as a newbie with zero properties.

I was very fortunate and closed on my primary residence in the Austin, TX area in January of last year and since then have had a substantial amount of appreciation in property value. I was thinking about doing a HELOC or home equity loan in order to free up capital for a down payment on a single-family or small multi-family property in the midwest but then I wasn't sure how to fund the rest of the purchase. Do I use a conventional mortgage? Should I use a hard money loan? Are hard money loans only for when you are BRRRRing a property? Also, does anyone have any advice on how to find private money lenders?

Any input is appreciated!