The builder offerred $15,000 credit to be applied, however you wished EXCEPT can not be used for price reduction. 

Well... they are who they are. 

@Murtuza KhojaWelcome to BP, let me see if I can be of some help here.

If you consistently analyze properties, recognizing a good deal will be much easier when it shows up.

I am interested in buying a long-term turnkey property in a nice area (I live in San Diego so this property would have to be out of state).

I called my local insurance company, as well as two major companies and was told "good luck." 

You can also check out Jaxrei facebook page as well to learn more. 

(For example, IF I was able to purchase the first home (multi-family) outright, paid-in-full, then use a HELOC to pay for the down payment and closing costs for the second home, would that be a smarter approach?)

I love their youtube channel as well that produces 2 or 3 videos a week. 

Don’t forget about direct mail campaigns as well.