I've now used it twice.The program requires 10% down, must be a rental, no PMI, and has a very high standard of credit.Last I did it (Summer 2022), my rate landed in the low 5%.  

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

NO

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

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

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. 

Very few investors (young or old) started out 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".

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.