Wanting to expand but feeling stuck

[Jin Kwon]

I currently have six SFHs that are owned outright and tenanted. I decided to do REI full time and am looking to leverage the existing properties to purchase a MFH (~10 units). I think I understand the BRRRR strategy, however it seems like HELOCs are only available on primary residences and lending has gotten tighter. I'm currently working with a commercial lender to fund a deal but is there something I'm missing? Many of the banks I've called want me to have a job outside of REI, maybe I started full time REI too early? At what financial point is everyone doing REI full time?