Most everything else can be as automated as you would like.

These guys wanted to automate the buying/selling process but I think they forgot how many emotions buyers and sellers have.

Obviously Avery's podcast, book, and blogs on the Short Term Shop website have lots of valuable information and I have followed on researching the various softwares/processes/tools for automating and managing remotely, but would love to get some additional perspective or experiences before I jump in.Thanks so much!

All 3 were instrumental getting this done.

And it's not up to the loan officer nor the lender, it's up to Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac automated underwriting system.

So if you like to use API's or get data in/out using automation  or external tools you can't, at least not through an API. 

If you want to stay focused on your day job and you are accredited, I would consider investing in a syndication or diversified syndicated fund.If you are willing to put in a little effort and set up some automation, I would consider doing a 10% or 15% down Airbnb/VRBO property in a targeted location.  

And so I found my own deals using the automated tools built into the listing websites.

Using a promissory note (which spells out the terms) and a deed of trust which should be recorded with the county recorder's office (which is your debt instrument which liens the title of the property for the amount owed) is the best way to construct this deal you have with your family member.

The article said that HELOCs are floating-rate instruments, so they're less attractive to take on a floating-rate loan at a higher rate than a general low and a fixed rate.My issue is that I don't want to pay $3,000 to do a cash-out refinance and I don't know how long it will take to get a deal (WHATEVER I define a DEAL as ;) ), but maybe I'm missing something here...If you are approved for a HELOC and the value of your home goes down, will you still have access to all of the funds?