Is there ever a limit on how many loans outstanding, or how much you owe in total causing banks to balk at giving you a heloc?

I would definitely try to get a heloc, but most banks lend .75 to .80 of market value less outstanding loan. 

@Brendon Pishny I am an asset protection attorney and we set these up all the time for clients nationwide.

@Julian Quintero I have an outstanding lender I can refer you to.

we have our savings parked in a high-interest one as well, but that's an outstanding rate.flips "scare" me - but anything that scares me is something i'm willing to try. i find it intimidating to find a flip team. i'd rather not do any/much of the work ourselves - that wouldn't be passive income. any tips?

But I have accountants nationwide that maintain that they can do those sales and purchases with related parties as long as they maintain meticulous records and use arms length market valuations. 

As far as back taxes and liens against the property, if you are working with a reputable title company, they can perform a search of the property and confirm if there are outstanding taxes/liens against the property.  

Share some particular attributes that made this agent outstanding!

To me the premise of your FED (the amount outstanding) is now incorrect (...probably).  

You can use a nationwide lender or local.