Consider beginning small, diversifying your portfolio, and gradually building up as you acquire expertise and confidence.

I don't fully understand these, but its my limited understanding that the gains are recognized gradually, as the principal is paid down.

I purchased in an area that is gradually improving although if I had to sell now I could move to another investor and still sell at a profit, maybe offer financing.  

The corporate firms are where you start to see less of that and more professionals earning a decent salary through a gradual career trajectory. 

For the HELOC option would you suggest using your own cash to pay them off quicker or just let the rental income pay it down gradually?

Drop what you are doing pivotally, gradually...

This may not be the type of money you're trying to solve for, but over the past several years I've been gradually shifting a portion of my household emergency fund from bank accounts into I Bonds from the U.S.

I initially wanted to do long term buy and hold, but gradually my attention shifted to STR because of the potential for higher returns. 

Then come down as needed.Start low(er) to get some early reviews, and then gradually raise the rents until bookings slow.Good luck to you!

Thank you for sharing because I'm going to use the inspiration I feel to continually fuel my gradual ascent to financial freedom and wealth.