I am doing the same and happy about the plan. Few points i do in your case.
1. Take the HELOC when you are still living in it, it has no upfront cost, pay per use like credit card. Its laways great to have extra cash available with this way.
2. Look for homes required fixes and Do some improvements for forced appriciation on every home you move to remove the PMI and increase rent possibility later, two birds one shot.
3. Take as many as homes allowed this way with only positive cash flow and repeat the same process with spouce to have enough funds for retirement.
4. Acquiring the best property with this is tough and difficlut, i wouldnt sell one unless really need. Instead try to pay off the properties after step 3 with cash flow or buy with cash.
I know its slow but really good plan.
Tahnks
Suresh P
