House hacking is the best tried-and-true method for new investors in my opinion.

I think a heloc is a solid method to fund a flip.

instead, why not find a market 1-2 hours away where you can be hands-on / in-person?

I personally love the Cleveland market for its cash flow.

If you have the time to devote to it, direct to seller methods can be very effective, but will take ultra-patience and intensive work. 

Many banks limit personal loan amounts.

Also, you don’t need a business license just to look at properties, but if you buy a bigger property, like a multi-family unit, you might need a certificate of occupancy, depending on the local rules.For business trips, most expenses can be deductible, but if it’s part personal and part business, you can only deduct the business portion.

If it is a breach of contract to do such action, no, it's not true or accurate to say a person "can" do that anymore than it is to say a person "can" rob a bank.

Used houses in the area sell anywhere from $75-125 a square foot.These are long term rentals that I do not plan to sell.I am reading the Rental Property Investing book and implementing the method that focuses on cash flow and that strategy states you need to have $300 cash flow per month, per property.

I've been using the BRRRR method more recently with some success.