If it cannot do that, it's likely to make little to no money in the first year or two.

NO

I'm still fairly new to the space, but I have lots of time and am no stranger to hard work. 

@Melissa StanleyEven if you set up an LLC with a partner there is no inherent tax savings by owning properties in an LLC.

No, taking out a HELOC and spending it does not reduce your taxable capital gain when selling your home.

The problem with that is that now you're no longer tracking what you've paid to actual vendors, so you lose the ability to issue 1099's and know what you've paid who at the end of the year.  

Many also pay into Social Security with no ability to claim benefits, which actually props up the system."

If Apartment A is a 2-bed/1-bath with a washer/dryer and Apartment B is a 1-bed/1-bath with no washer/dryer, Apartment A should pay a higher rate.

Of course, there are a few realtors that may be able to find you one or two, but for the most part, no. 

(Remember - No such thing as a dumb question)And don't be in a rush like most young wanna-be investors...I can't tell you how many times I've seen/heard "I want to have 10 properties within 5 years and be making $100k per year".