@Jason Brown - I'm a CT based investor, flipper, and property management company owner.  

Quote from @Virginia VanOeveren: To start as a private money lender, educate yourself on real estate investing and lending practices, define clear loan criteria, and conduct thorough due diligence on borrowers and properties.

Your financial background is a huge asset, and it’s great that you’re starting locally in Milwaukee while keeping an eye on future expansion.If you’re looking to connect with like-minded investors, the Rental Property Association of Wisconsin is a fantastic resource for networking with rental portfolio owners, accessing legal resources, and finding contractors. https://www.aasew.org/For mentors, funding sources, and flippers, the Milwaukee REIA is another great group to explore. https://www.milwaukeereia.com/I’m a member of both and find unique value in each—maybe we’ll cross paths at a future meeting!

And will you be utilizing property management firms to help out? 

Engage an investor-focused realtor/broker in your preferred market (this is not a residential realtor) and start 'tire kicking' the market and properties that fit your criteria.

I just bought 5 houses in 5 days in 3 states, 1 of the states I never bought property before. 

I am a property owner in central Texas of a multi-family home.

Also as I understand it qualification for these loans are based on the property as opposed to the borrower.

If the property is in Wisconsin, I'd love to chat with you.

HELOCs typically do not go above 75-80% of value and since the property was purchased recently they would not see that equity unless you did some major rehab to the property.