Conventional Financing vs. Home Equity Loan/LOC

[James Lim]

I was hoping someone could discuss the pros/cons of obtaining conventional financing for residential properties (SFR/duplexes) with 20% down, vs. if able, closing with 100% cash, then pulling out equity via a loan or HELOC.

I've done a lot of reading and research on the matter, however, I feel I'm missing out the part that only true experience can teach.  I've only ever used conventional financing, and this latest closing has been absolutely miserable with underwriters that are seeming to try every way under the sun to not have me hand them a big bag of money.  I was wondering if I should have just bought the house cash.  I'm trying to leverage as much as possible so as to establish cashflow with rentals.

Thank you!