These "short-term" gains also provide a buffer towards long term sustainability. 

If I am not mistaken the values there have nearly doubled in less than 10 years and thats not sustainable so there may be some good deals around the bend for you

I too one day aspire to have a self sustaining business covering all aspects of my investing.

I haven't heard anyone anywhere really lay out a solid step-by-step strategy for using a HELCO in this manner.

One of my properties was in the path of Hurricane Florence and while it thankfully didn’t appear to sustain major damage, there’s resulting water stain on the ceiling in the bottom floor.

In order to invest at a level that will eventually sustain you, make you free, you need income.

Just Google real estate wholesaling courses and pick a program that you feel comfortable with.Again, yes you can learn everything you need in Bigger Pockets, but not in an organized time efficient manner like a course.   

A good start is making sure the attorney communicates in a professional manner and responds to you.

The first time I saw him, he approached me, asking me personal questions in a very rude manner, I mean obviously he knew I didn't live there (btw I'm Hispanic) And the majority of the residents are older white retires.

BUT everything went really well, noone sustained injury, and after 2 years of BP and learning why I bought the wrong house fortune smiled on me.