Heloc, why is it better if you have to eventually refi to pay it back, in some cases.

[Mario Morales]

For the purpose of buying properties, is it pretty common to take out a HELOC for 100K or so, and pay it back within 10 years, without a cash out refi? I mean, if the most common path towards HELOC repayment is refinancing, then why not cash out refi in the first place?

I'm trying to figure it out as I took out HELOC before $hit hit the fan and used it to acquire 2 properties. Now I'll be paying it back as the interest rates are higher and I need to payoff a few other expenses associated with the other 2 purchases.