HELOC for down payment on my first rental property

[Joe McMahon]

Hey everyone,

I have made the plunge and decided to start off with my first property. I have been reading up a ton on tapping into the equity in my primary residence and letting that money work for me. I am exploring getting a HELOC and use that for the down payment and then a conventional loan for the balance of the property. Have not found the property yet. I have about $120k equity in my home so definitely enough to get started. A few questions.....1) Read something about keeping my personal and investing stuff separate as has to do with taxes when paying the HELOC down....don't quite understand so if anyone can explain the best way, that would be great. 2) Is the best way to refinance ASAP with appreciation and pull money out to pay of HELOC....I think so. 3) Any additional advice or real examples of using a HELOC for a down payment would be great.

Thx!