I have been a realtor for +8 years helping out-of-state investors buy and sell here successfully too.

It's 5 years into payments and going strong. ya suing on land lock is not a given right and is not always successful good job selling to neighbor.I also have one.. bought house at foreclosure.. 

I have done it successfully on my last 2 buildouts, maybe 3, but only because I was able to acquire the properties at a very low price and I did all the work in-house (myself and some hired hands on staff).

With the growth mindset you clearly have, you're building a solid foundation for success.

Their success speaks volumes however, its a bit much for me to stomach for a potential benefit. 

Tenants are more likely to trust landlords who demonstrate a commitment to fairness and legal standards, leading to better occupancy rates and long-term success.Adapting to regulatory changes is an essential part of being a successful real estate investor.

Congrats on achieving a comfortable financial situation.Condos are actually riskier than single family rentals. 

So that alone is evidence that what you have been told is wrong.Secondly.. if it is 99% accurate that a list of 2K gets you a deal.. what stops EVERYONE to get a list and thus that means Guaranteed success.

Successful BRRRRs are challenging enough to do local to you.  

Dan, Investment HELOCS are extremely hard to achieve considering they are not DSCR underwrites. they are more traditional conventional qualifications.