Flat fee can work well for people who are knowledgeable in real estate principles and law, have experience negotiating deals, and have time to devote.  

Active investing takes your time and some type of knowledge or skill that gives you an advantage over other investors.  

Many of the higher priced options offer stronger networks than they do coaching, so you're really paying for the network more than you are anything else.It sounds like you already have some knowledge of real estate from your past experience. 

Either choice you make will be a good one.

What are the best online real estate courses from your knowledge?

Most “wholesalers” are inexperienced, lack specific real estate knowledge, and have little or no capital.  

Definitely lean into the local market knowledge and opportunities you’ve got with your short-term rentals, too.

By this time next year, we aim to have invested in our first rental property and improved our credit, setting a strong foundation for a successful and fulfilling future.I am open to any knowledge or advice anyone has to give as I am currently learning about real estate investing. 

I know which one I would take out of those two choices.  

Thanks, HELOCs the way you want them probably structured as a DSCR do not really exist to the best of my knowledge, you can do an investment loan heloc for a super high cost, but you will be subject to a traditional conventional underwrite.