(Still learning)I've been leaning towards HELOC, with less fees and the "credit card" type use.

If you have a track record of correctly tracking and managing your household expenses and maintaining a target savings rate for more than 1-2 years, then yes, I think the math leans towards investing in real estate (provided your student loans are at 4-5% AND your risk tolerance is in line with that decision). 

I would love to hear about what you’re leaning towards for your next purchase.

But I also think there are a whole lot of people who had never stayed in STRs before, and now they know how fun and convenient it is to rent an entire house instead of a hotel room or multiple hotel rooms for the family. 

If time is on your side then live lean.  

I attempted to start a lean generation digital marketing agency.

That's a great point and where I was leaning: even if I cash flow negative a bit, the difference in rental prices is worth it.

Also, I leaned heavy on my agent and lender to give me advice on next steps.

Additionally, many of the antique houses have quirky features including, but not limited to, box outs for heating/ducting, chopped up rooms to accommodate bathrooms and other modern conveniences, small closets, knee walls, lower ceiling height, etc.

I’m in the Katy/Fulshear area but willing to travel to a mid point destination that’s convenient for everyone!