It made my payments way more manageable, and I ended up saving a good chunk on interest.

The very basics would be getting your furniture and shopping list together, keyless entry like Schlage (with backup lockbox with physical key very close as well), looking into insurance, local taxes for STRs, and moreAlot of ways to save time and make it easier to self manage with a property management software like Hospitable and data research like AirDNA.

Yes, this creates problems for title companies and title insurers to resolve. 

I have been saving for a down payment on a rental property.

However, what I would suggest based on your expertise as a contractor is going into a semi-fixer upper and make minor repairs to boost equity as well as savings. 

Personally I only use my HELOC on short term projects like flips, new builds and BRRRRs where I know I will be replacing the capital within months.You may be better off waiting a year and save up more cash or liquidate your index funds if the returns on a property will be better.

Your great credit, cash in checking and savings, and property ready to cash flow are the basic conditions to qualify.

She's asking $700K.My question is how do i start the process of obtaining this property without having to sell and 1031 exchange my current duplex.I have not much in savings, and no where near 20-25% for a down payment for the new property.

Many of us want to save cash to be able to purchase the next one.

Perhaps you can save up for a bit longer so you can afford to purchase your own primary and keep the 3 rentals?