I want to scale, but not sure how to develop my strategy.I have a $200k HELOC and excellent credit worthiness and high income from my day job.

Check with credit union.

There are several benefits of having cash in the bank/liquid reserves versus an open end mortgage (a.k.a) credit card.

I have $80k liquid in CDs and savings accounts in the bank and a credit score between 760 - 780.

The closing attorney or title co will draw up the closing statement so each party will know exactly what their costs, credits or debits will be in closing the transaction.  

For the 2nd applicant, her credit score shows 770.

What is your roof goes, a heating unit.... you're credit card debt could build up quick as a result of this putting yourself in a bad situation.

Mint did a decent job for me previously, and Credit Karma is less adequate. 

The industry standard currently is around 70%, but there are some that will go up to 75% or 80%, but you've got to have pristine credit.

But 3) Try multifamily specific brokers, crexi and loopnet, although 2-4 units maybe scarce. 4) A home equity line of credit is a good source of funds however it will generally make your overall monthly payments higher, so unless a deal is very solidly cashflowing, a HELOC may put you into negative cashflow. 7) Typically electric/gas are paid by the tenant - however this isn't true across the board.