I have found some information that might be helpful John.There are government backed programs like Fannie Mae Homestyle Renovation Loan and Freddie Mac Home Possible Renovation Loan, in addition to the FHA 203k loan. 

To me, signing a broad exclusivity agreement kills your bubble; you're now cut off from every other agent's network.Of course, it has to be worth the agent's while to bring you a deal over someone else, so try and offer something of value like a finder's fee or, if you're flipping, the right to list the renovated house with the agent. 

Meaning you may be able to do some cosmetic or smaller renovations like bathrooms or kitchens in your duplex when the tenants turn over and those smaller investments can demand higher rents, so in the longterm you may have more cashflow from the duplex to help fund a future investment in another property while you wait for market conditions to change.

So what if the heloc amount is enough to cover 20% down on investment property and cover renovations.

A real renovation can demand good rent in the right area

One of our clients purchased and renovated a single-family home property for Section 8 use.

Also, consider this copy & paste advice below:Recommend you first figure out the property Class you want to invest in, THEN figure out the corresponding location to invest in.Property Class will typically dictate the Class of tenant you get, which greatly IMPACTS rental income stability and property maintenance/damage by tenants.If you apply Class A assumptions to a Class B or C purchase, your expectations won’t be met and it may be a financial disaster.If you buy/renovate a Class A property in Class D area, what quality of tenant will you get?

Hey Andre,If you are up for it, I would highly recommend buying a home that you can do renovations on to force equity!

So renovate this year, cash out refinance end of next year is totally possible!

@Venecia BaezRecommend you first figure out the property Class you want to invest in, THEN figure out the corresponding location to invest in.Property Class will typically dictate the Class of tenant you get, which greatly IMPACTS rental income stability and property maintenance/damage by tenants.If you apply Class A assumptions to a Class B or C purchase, your expectations won’t be met and it may be a financial disaster.If you buy/renovate a Class A property in Class D area, what quality of tenant will you get?