Man, some people here sure do get critical about what others spend their time doing. 

It was scary at first and eventually got my first deal  and realized... mindset is critical !

I will take any advice/criticism as I am all new to this and appreciate any responses.

This is why relationships are critical.

Not a huge criticism of you, because we've all made mistakes.FWIW, I would offer a personal and sincere apology to her. 

Can never learn enough from others' experience so please be critical and honest.  

Also, here's the critical thing: For cash flowing properties, purchase price is not the key factor, income and expenses are.

To compare people who have GED's with Harvard educated PhD's and say they are both accredited investors is laughably ridiculous and it shows in the level of critical thinking in your argument. 

I've not done it and my one criticism is the risk of interest rate increases, but if you're contemplating a HELOC anyway, you should probably read up on this a little bit as it may save you even more money.  

Critical thinking...