I've got about $525K in equity in the property, but lenders have told me that I cannot get a HELOC to access that equity for additional purchases because the duplex was financed as an investment - they have said TX law dictates that HELOC can only be used on primary residences.

I have had a long term interest in purchasing an investment property and I'm looking to be smarter about this.

Please get some help with this. 

Start connecting with local investors or attend meetups. it’s one of the best ways to learn and get insight.

They initiated the counter offer process on the property, but the counter net is more than we feel we should go on this one. 

For a bit of context, my wife and I recently moved to Tennessee and after renting for a bit we are just about to close on our first property.

I'm looking for an experienced contractor to partner with on my first full flip; I own two properties and have done minor renovations to those properties but this is my first full flip with a full rehab so I want someone with experience to assist as I learn the ropes.

Since I haven't been on BiggerPockets for quite awhile, the format has changed, and I'm having trouble figuring out where I can post a property I'm selling in OH, so interested parties are able to find it and make offers?

Depending on your long term goals I wholesale and use the assignments fees to buy free and clear properties and I use creative marketing to buy and keep in my portfolio. 

This a great place to get started.