I am fairly new to BiggerPockets, hanging around the forums and soaking up all the knowledge I can.

Just hang drywall?

I am looking to make some connections and offer a helping hand to any professionals looking for someone to tackle low hanging fruit with the intention of sharing some wisdom. .Contact me or guide me to any local events.

Unless it's specified more clearly, I have been answering by saying, "I hang out and be cool."

If you aspire to have rental properties you might like the financial benefits of keeping your existing house as a rental when you buy your next primary residence, if that's an option for you.Primary residence home mortgages have a lower interest rate than investment mortgages traditionally, so by buying your next primary residence and hanging on to your old one, you get to keep your lower interest rate on both properties.

What do you do; leave it hanging in the basement for eventual hook up?

You don't have to "work for a broker" but you do need a broker to hang your license with, train you (taking and passing the test does little to train you in the actual application of being a successful agent), and provide errors and omissions insurance.

What I was thinking about doing is taking out the HELOC in order to make some improvements to the property using OPM and hang on to my cash.Given that I am putting down 25% on the property it seems like I would have enough equity to get a HELOC but I'm not up to speed on how HELOCs work.If there is a better option to accomplish the same goal that you can suggest I would love to hear it.  

I'll practice the math with properties in my area so I can get the hang of it and I'll be putting offers in.

Deck is it above ground,, so it's hanging over... or is it on the ground,,,I'd check with zoning to find out what are specifics for building a deck how far from lot line can structure be located or can over hang...and see if permits were pulled by that property owner and if it was inspected and signed off..