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.

I plan to live in the multi-family for a year then move out and rent the unit.

I am ready to talk to mortgage lenders and anyone who can help guide me on a financial plan to rebuild my credit and start a small savings to build up to my first house hack deal in Q4 this year in the Raleigh/ research triangle area. 

I wouldn't start investing in the US if you have no plans on coming back from living in China.

I would encourage you to learn the market you plan to invest in now and to continue to learn about the different methods of investing.

It takes time but worth it.How do you plan to finance your first property—are you looking at traditional loans, or have you considered other options like house hacking?

I’m new to the community and I’m planning to start a Section 8 rental property business.

Will take some refining but that is the plan. 

I don't think they verified that the tenant was planning on leaving either.

I would both buy a property to get your feet wet and at the same time make a plan to scale.