I don't understand why  OP wouldn't just  either execute the plan as layed out, or.....just flip em or keep them and rent.

.* logistics of maintaining out-of-state property and tenants* having time to research enough about this while moving across the country to be confident in your decisions and planning* having time to research other opportunities, what could be done with the money if you soldReason I bring up the emotional stuff because yeah property is a hassle, but there may be another vision that lets you get everything or most of what you want, with a little bit less hassle, or hassle in a way that bothers you less.

One of them has a clear path to return a profit and is executing that plan well. 

I plan to live in it and then rent it out in a year. 

And the interest on the HELOC is usually higher than on the mortgage.As I demonstrated before, you will get ahead if you would put that additional money directly into the mortgage principal instead of using a HELOC.Velocity banking is fine for people who can't budget as it give them a plan to follow and force them to save more.

If your doing an FHA and plan to stay in one side you have to figure out what that would benefit you.

Just in case.Ultimately whatever correlates with your future plans but a solid way to build long term wealth.

I was planning on searching here today to see if I can find any meetups in our area.

We also just purchased a house in Oliver, WI that we plan to run as a short-term rental.

In smaller towns, this is usually a specific individual within the Planning Department.