If you can pay down your HELOC rapidly, then that's a good option.  

I'm a little worried that I will be hit with a giant tax bill at sale given this area (Durham, NC) is rapidly increasing in popularity and thus cost.   

Denver, Colo.Irvine, Calif.Seattle, Wash.Austin, TexasAurora, Colo.Portland, Ore.Indianapolis, Ind.San Francisco, Calif.Colorado Springs, Colo.Boston, Mass.Grand Rapids, Mich.Boise, IdahoHonolulu, HawaiiRaleigh, N.C.Madison, Wis.

I love Irving Park and Portage Park in the NW as well as places that you can find some values, but are improving rapidly.  

One area that people fail to mention that is relatively close to you I guess that you could look into is Rapid City SD.

This whole thing rapidly deteriorates into a mess.

I was wondering if anyone can tell me when the REIC meet times are, and where in the west Michigan area (Grand Rapids, Muskegon) as I'm looking to connect with like minded individuals who's been in the game a while and can help me get off on the right foot.

It is not uncommon to see inspections waived and other concessions included.If you are looking to rent, again, in the core areas of Seattle, rents have been climbing rapidly and a house/apartment/condo large enough to accommodate a family will probably price well above $2,000/month.

NJ has the highest property taxes in the USA and people are leaving rapidly.

I know our area hasn't fully recovered since the crash and many houses are still upside down even though this is rapidly changing.