In either case, as part of your due diligence do you have someone knock on the door to confirm who's in possession?

Mortgage rates in less than 3.2% across properties so definitely favoring HELOC.

Or were the “experts” predicting a crash in 2019 as well? 

By starting the eviction process now, you'll be in a better position to protect your investment and avoid further delays or complications.

This approach provides both security and potential upside in a deal.

Lenders Account for Your Real Estate Liabilities, Even If Not Listed on the REO ScheduleThe vast majority of DSCR loans are personally guaranteed, they will still be noted in your overall financial picture, and lenders will factor in these obligations when calculating your true cash flow and risk profile.Even if the title of a property is in the name of an LLC and the property is not listed on the Real Estate Owned (REO) schedule of your personal loan application, lenders will still account for any personal liability associated with the loan.

Purchase price: $335,000 Cash invested: $30,000 2 br / 2 bt home with large 2 car garage on its own property in LA County.

We have a key box at our office with a spare key in them.

Two parts in the process that you went through:1.

This is definitely the place to learn and network with folks in your market or the market you're interested.