I realize these are already very good terms, but I thought I'd check what is possible.

I want to immerse myself in the real estate investing space as much as possible.

How did you finance this deal?

I also released my EMD after contingencies so she has some cash to work wit How did you finance this deal?

@Sang Kim- thanks for clarifying you are trying to get a commercial loan ...this is a  completely different product than a home loan ...You still should be able to  locate and obtain a good commercial loan  without  having to pay any fees upfront  ( other than possibly paying for the appraisal after the  loan has been  approved )

I've got about $525K in equity in the property, but lenders have told me that I cannot get a HELOC to access that equity for additional purchases because the duplex was financed as an investment - they have said TX law dictates that HELOC can only be used on primary residences.

Has anyone had experience using this financing, or can recommend a similar financing alternative without the overhead of joining an inner circle?

A couple fix and flips that were financed with HELOC. 

Its possible in your area that garages and parking are more valuable than units - this is your appreciation. 

Some have used this method to obtain 100% financing.