I am at 1757% less this year in stocks as compared and I thought that was great.

Hey @Scott Trench unfortunately real estate losses (active or passive) will not offset portfolio income from stock sale gains. 

This works with any type of appreciating property such as real estate, stocks, etcDepending on the appreciation rate, you can potentially see asset values double every 7-14 years.Likely around 7 years if the appreciation rate is 8%Likely around 14 years if the appreciation rate is 4%If you buy something for $100,000 and it appreciates to $200,000, you can potentially take a loan on the $100,000 appreciation which would not be considered a taxable event.However, be mindful that you are paying interest on the loan and you have to payback the loan but yes, it would not add on to your taxable income.

Most of the legit investors I know won't buy those deals out of principle, regardless of terms. 

Ask yourself: do I really have the knowledge of real estate principles, real estate law and real estate finance; the network of contacts; the experience both in business in general and real estate in particular; the time available; and the analytical ability to compete against FULL TIME EXPERIENCED PROFESSIONALS to be successful in a field where the failure rate is so astronomically high?  

Think: a coffee station stocked with local beans or a reading nook with plenty of natural light.

Popular choices like Fidelity, Schwab, or Vanguard let you invest in a range of stocks, mutual funds, and ETFs.

Look at just today, everyone thought stock market this year was going to rocket then china comes out with AI allegedly superior to ours and tanks tech stocks.

The only item I would suggest is double check the payment terms of the your HELOC... in particular, can you pay interest only or are you required to pay a portion of principle each month on the amount utilized.

I may at somepoint consider utilities like energy and water, and how I can become more self sustaining, purchasing stocks is one way I can make my money back, or obtain ownership in what I am spending on in terms of utilities.