I decided to get liscenced as a home inspector and utilize my knowledge in building science so I can add value to others but also so that I could immerse myself in the real estate industry and show investors that I am taking this seriously.

A HELOC will not allow you to deduct I believe on the interest unless the money is utilized for repairs on your primary residence and not to buy another home. 

You cannot use rental income above your mortgage payment to help qualify for a larger mortgage, but you can utilize 100% of the lease income to offset so that should help you qualify for more of a mortgage. 

I appreciate the input Danielle ...I see some of these virtual mailbox companies have an app and you can see what mail has been received on the app, while others allow mail forwarding ... are you utilizing any of this or just using the physical address for your LLC paperwork to be delivered?   

I didn't, and the people at Eagle Rock, who approved permits and necessary utility connections, were not very cooperative, which made the process more stressful than it had to be.I've seen lots listed on Zillow and the Aggressive Real Estate web site. 

We don't have that guideline for cash-outs, we just utilize the 1007. 

Further, how can you enforce collections if you're not a utility?

What are the average utility costs, and who typically pays them (tenant/owner)?

I’m trying to utilize 1% rule and it’s tough with current market 

Validate planning zoning requirements and access to utilities.