My purpose for the HELOC is to get into a property without having a home sale contingency to increase my odds of the offer getting accepted.

But you'll see it become mainstream by this time 2028. 

Other than closing costs, it seems to be a safer way to go and probably wouldn’t have as much issue finding lenders if your DTI is acceptable.

The lease specifies a deposit amount and you accepted less than that without modifying the lease (or maybe you did modify it but didn't mention it?)

- Yes but as you mentioned this is never accepted in court.

@Andy OshodiIt seems that you're having trouble locating acceptable houses for house hacking in the Houston market, especially in the neighborhoods around the medical center.

When you find a great deal and want to sign a contract with the seller do you sign it before you find a buyer or do talk to buyer, discuss the deals numbers such as and Max acceptable offer, what work needs to be done on the house ... etc. and then sign the contract with the seller once the criteria with the buyer has been met. 

I ask because I don't see many listings online that don't include much detail...and wondering if I should.All 18+ applicants must complete the application and pay the application fee.Credit score of 700+, No bills in collection.Steady employment or other acceptable source of regular income for 3+ years.Gross monthly income at least 3.5 times the monthly rental rate.Monthly payment Debt-to-gross-income ratio no higher than 40%.

Cash and cashier's check are probably accepted.

First, even an STR that isn't rental arbitrage may in some cases be reported on a Schedule C rather than a Schedule E depending on whether you provide "substantial service".In the case of rental arbitrage, I believe the best and arguably only acceptable choice is Schedule C.