My gross income is a bit less than $7k (and I'm renting near top of market rates) with minimal repairs ($2k/y), but...1.

and it doesn't work like that, especially with prices and interest rates high. 

I'm unsure if you would be able to combine both loans given that the HELOC is tied to a different property than the one you got traditional financing on.A work around is if you are able to purchase the new property with the HELOC at a significant enough discount, bring the property value up via renovations or additions, then refinance the property, pulling out enough money to repay the HELOC. 

My number 1 tip would be to go off market and find owner that wants to sell at a discount / prefers speed and convenience. 

This urgency can lead to favorable negotiations where investors may acquire properties at a significant discount.

However, you may be able to get the property at a discount, step in, and solve the problem.

., costly to maintain), they may be open to a discounted or creative arrangement.2.

So, keep in mind this tax deduction is basically like getting a discount on the purchase. 

But in a market like yours, is there substantial difference between high and slow season rates?

Also, under Insights you can see your conversion rate.