In this sale, I saved $2,775 by not working with a traditional listing agent... and perhaps more importantly was the more *fluid* communication I was able to have with the buyers agent.  1 agent's ok. 

However, I think you might want to put brakes on and try to figure what your investment personality is and match that personality with the asset(s) you want to go after. 

It doesn't accelerate payment any faster than paying the smaller cash payments directly to the conventional mortgage.The argument that using the HELOC as a checking account means you accelerate principal payments and keep cash fluid is valid.

I second that, however attorney's usually have some experience in the community (RE Attorneys) and you should listen to what they suggest as there could have been a similar case where they have unique knowledge of the findings.But from what were mentioned, it may be too that the attorney has a personal issue with investors and attempts to put the brakes on such deals.

During a follow up inspection with another contractor, there was a small child in the front yard playing with lighter fluid, and one of the adults on their bike very nearly ran into my car.

Images of prospective tenants braking the law, acting thuggish, or using extremely poor judgment can aid in your decision making process.

The higher that number, the more fluid and free our society is.

I think you can get one that resists soak-thru of fluids.

I guess you just need to be fluid.  

If you have a fluid arrangement like students A & B are staying for 2 years, students C for 1 year, student D for 3 years, and student C drops out 6 months in, and student E wants to come in for 3 semesters, you will never you leases starting and ending at the same time...in that case you might consider individual leases for each tenant based on a room plus shared areas.