Newbie from Burleson Tx

[Christopher Ward]

Hello BP, 

I would like to begin RE investing next year. I own a home 100% clear and my only debt is a monthly car payment. I have a 10k emergency fund and about 5k just sitting in my account. 

What are your thoughts on me obtaining a HELOC or HELOAN to fund the down payment and the rest will be on a 30 year mortgage? Is that a decent strategy for financing?

For taxes, I'm thinking of working with a CPA to help me  minimize tax liability. I've never itemized my deductions and always done the standard deduction.  

Where's a good place to start looking for team members ie. RE agent / investor, good property management companies , good contractors, inspectors,  etc?

Thank you everyone. I love the BP site and look forward to being financially free in the future :)