Section 8 is best used as a risk mitigation tool for properties in super low income, high crime areas.

I once bought a house in Essington (Tinicum Township) - 5 minutes from Philadelphia Airport and I learn that the small Tinicum Township had a lot of income from the airport economy: hotels, crashpads, parkings etc

Disclosure: Previous, current and future purchaser of Matt Scott's services.I have personally used Matt Scott and Incite Venture Capital to create my fixed income fund.

My income doesn’t show itself as being very high, but I have a relatively large amount of cash to put down.

I hope you or someone is at least keeping an eye on your properties for break ins, squatters, roof leaks, temperature control, frozen pipes (if in cold climate), if you have a basement and sump pump goes out leading to water damage etc.I just talked to two investors in California that have let their properties sit vacant (no mortgages so paying property taxes and insurance).

Some might not be livable at purchase but 5k still seems cheap unless there is something off with the data. maybe the prices were reduced on unlivable properties due to back taxes being part of the deal for the purchase.

If you need financial help, ask under the "Finance, Tax, and Legal" forum.

You have come to a great place to learn how to build wealth and income with real estate.

Most on this forum can't even come up with a downpayment, you can't expect them to ride HOI/tax increases, vacanices, etc., with lower leverage and less cash flow on a property.

It would take around 5 years to pay off the HELOC by using some of the monthly rental income from two investment properties.