Working with a CPA can help you navigate tax implications, and staying focused on long-term planning will set you up for success.

A HELOC could help temporarily if you plan to payoff the balance quickly and are planning to save on monthly payments in the short term.  

Make sure you have a lot of ducks and all fo them in a row. 5 year estimates on revenue and expenses, full business plan, licenses etc etc all in place before you go in.

Putting more down will give you positive cash flow, with a clear plan to increase rents as well. 

Accelerated depreciation, taxable income forecasts, and running various numbers/scenarios.Point is that tax planning/financial planning is not the area to skimp.   

Need to move in immediately is a red flag to understand.Responsible tenants usually plan their moves and thus need to give notice to their old landlord and also are proactive in lining up a new property substantially before the move day arrives. 

I am planning on doing a tenant screen as I have not done this for the tenant myself and it is essentially a new lease from my perspective, but curious what others do for renewals. 

Keep in mind comps can change in the 1-2 years you plan on living there.

No matter how you do it have a back up plan in the event the mortgage company call the loan due.    

My time here in DC will be likely be less than 2 years so my plan is to do as much research and reading as possible.