How to leverage a home in VA to buy a house in MO

[Ryan Johnson]

I want to use an HE loan or HELOC to finance my first property. I cannot afford a cash down payment. I do have several hundred thousand dollars in equity on my primary residence.

I live in Virginia, but want to invest in Missouri.

Does anyone have recommendations on lenders that would be able to make that possible?

What is the sequence of events to make that happen? Should I get pre-qualified first and then apply for the HELOC/HE loan? Or should I secure the down payment funds (because it may take a while), and then get pre-qualified?

Any additional thoughts, or explanations on why you would do this would be incredibly helpful. Also, any literature suggestions is also appreciated. I'm just starting out, and while I am very ready and eager to get started, my spouse is good at thinking of things that I may over look.

Thank you in advance.