I am getting started in real estate investing soon, and I want to plan for the best course of action.

You have used home equity lines of credit to purchase investment rentals and want to know the best way to pay down the HELOCs.Between the two properties you bought, after expenses, you have $250 a month positive cashflow to use.What I like to do is pay down some principal every month with my positive cashflow.I use my extra active income from real estate commissions helping other investors to pay down the principal even more which just frees up that credit for me to use again.I know I can refinance the HELOC debt before it changes to principal and interest as it is just interest only payments as yours are.One difference is the cashflow, I have greater positive cashflow and could make the principal and interest payment in the future with the extra cashflow I already enjoy.I always get HELOCs on my income properties as well after purchasing them to pull out as much of my downpayment as possible.

that we’ve learned in our 24 years, managing almost 700 doors across the Metro Detroit area, including almost 100 S8 leases:Class A Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, 3-5 years for positive cashflow, but you get highest relative rent & value appreciation.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, 5% the more recent norm.Tenant Pool: Majority will have FICO scores of 680+ (roughly 5% probability of default), zero evictions in last 7 years.Class B Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, decent amount of relative rent & value appreciation.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, 5% should be applied only if proper research done to support.Tenant Pool: Majority will have FICO scores of 620-680 (around 10% probability of default), some blemishes, but should have no evictions in last 5 yearsClass C Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, high cashflow and at the lower end of relative rent & value appreciation.

I have been reading books and listening to podcasts for almost a year now and I know I need to take action. 

My issues with RentRedi have not risen to the level requiring immediate action. 

Exactly this and why you should not do cash for keys to reward poor tenant actions.  

HOWEVER, you can still find deals that hit the 1% rule and positive cash flow.

Our investment to value (ITV) in the notes we purchase is usually in the 50-60% range, a significant amount of equity to protect our position and our private capital position. 

I recognize this is not the sole source of return, but the other sources have their return increase with smaller equity position. 

.🎯 The Buffett Dividend Strategy Coca-Cola remains one of the best examples of Buffett's philosophy in action:1988-1989: $1.3 billion investmentHeld for 30+ yearsGrowing dividend income streamShows the power of buying quality assets and holding for cash flow💳 The American Express StoryBuffett began buying AMEX in 1964 during the "Salad Oil Scandal" crisisMade a larger investment in 1991Berkshire now owns about 20% of American ExpressThe investment has generated billions in dividend incomePerfectly demonstrates Buffett's principle of buying great companies during temporary troubles (just like smart real estate investors who buy in good areas during market dips!)