Of course, with all things, the answers to all these matters will depend on the circumstances.California tends to have more laws on the books and requirements and restrictions that it can be a good idea to form a CA LLC for out of state property so that you as a CA resident are covered, and to try to have your contracts fall under the purview of CA courts.

It seems you've been doing a ton research and like most out of state investors, they tend to be interested in Knoxville.

Corporate Veil: Courts tend to respect the corporate veil (the legal distinction between the LLC and its owners) more when the LLC is properly formed and operated in the state where the property is located, reducing the risk of personal liability.4.

Hello,I know this has been posted a few times, but as the landscape for these products tends to change frequently, is anyone aware of any lenders that are offering HELOCs on a rental property (duplex specifically) in Texas right now (Aug 2024)?

Longer/ Higher Prepayment Penalty Period tend to yield lower interest rates, but if you want to refi in a few years because you think rates will go down then you'll be better off avoiding the penalty and going with a lower PPP.

Caveat, experienced investors rarely "shop" they usually have one or two lenders that specialize in certain products, keep all of the investor's data on file with current documents and they tend to care more about convenience, experience, and just getting the deal closed so they will continue to go to the same lender who can make that happen. 

Am I alone in finding that in today's market, wholesalers tend to be able to bring properties at the same price points as you can find by shopping at foreclosure auctions?

The net effect is that the money is out for less than 30 minutes in almost all cases (exception would be end of month when the title company has in influx of deals, but we're also in an ABA with them so we tend to get taken care of very quickly even during those times).3.  

Quote from @Cecilia Hagan: Good renters tend to be good pet owners.

Since the LLC is in your name this is what I would do, but I tend to take a hard line, check with an attorney, even if its just a one time consultation:1.