Home Equity Loan for Downpayment on a Rental Property

[Bradley Adams]

I am new to BP and am a relatively new investor.  My wife and I currently own a duplex with about $650,000 in equity.  I wanted to use some of this equity to make a down payment on some rental properties in the Dallas/ Fort Worth area.   Does anyone know how long it takes to get approved for a home equity loan and what rates are for one?  Also If there are any alternative strategies I should look into before I go this route?