I could simply buy properties with cash from my HELOC, turn around and do cash-out-refis, pay off the HELOC, rinse and repeat---I would achieve my "freedom number" in no time, and have none of my own money in the deals!

I've had many ups and downs and many times when I wanted to throw in the towel but I've persevered and I've achieved success with many clients. 

Doing Fix and Flip can be used as a way to make a short term achievement to your Wholesaling.  

With 5 mortgage payments, PLUS rental, we would be able to achieve full ownership of the property in a (relatively) short time span.

Are you tired of the 9-5 grind and not achieving your full financial potential?

So I figure that wholesaling my way to buy rental property would be the best way to go to achieve my goal

Have you looked into markets that offer what you're looking to achieve, Darryl? 

Before you even consider a trip to court (and I'm not sure why you'd consider this option at this point anyway) you need to be aware of your options as a tenant in your state in terms of what you can do if a landlord does not address repair issues to make a rental unit "habitable".You also need to be aware of just what limits a landlord must go to to achieve this.Colorado does allow a tenant the right to withhold rent IN SPECIFIC CIRCUMSTANCES if a rental unit is "uninhabitable". 

. - Over 10 years, the delinquency balance would grow to $25,000Assuming you achieve and maintain 100% occupancy (don't we all wish :) in the 11th year, your income on the P & L will show only $225,000Is this the correct way for delinquency income to be handled?

Keep your head up, stay positive and you can achieve great things.