I suggest to save up for 6-12 months while learning the market better or partner with someone who has the cash while you do the legwork.

Well, anything is better than influencers, IMHO.

With these 3 theoretical deal analyses, hopefully ,I'll then be better equipped to jump into my first real deal. 

Better to look at data.

If you are already experiencing slim profits with a fix and flip loan, it will not be any better on a HELOC.

2-If we need to issue 1099's, we can use my wife's SSN, but would it be better for privacy if we use EIN?

The good news for you as an investor will be likely you get a better and more experienced agent. 

Learn from the exercise and do better on the next.Good luck! 

That affects your credit for instance.A better way to look at it is voluntarily making the mortgage payment for someone.

Maybe they've been burned by landlords in the past and are being very careful.You can legally reject them based on personality, facial tattoos, body odor, or other factors, but you better make sure you can prove that it wasn't based on any protected class like race, religion, familial status, etc.