@Clare Pitcher we do 12+ month leases to avoid vacancies Nov-Feb.If we take over an occupied property, evict or have tenancy-abandon a property, we first let the owner know finding a tenant will take longer than "normal".This opens up owners to understanding they may need to:1) Offer 3D tour and floor plans to stand out2) Price more aggressively or be prepared for aggressive price reductions3) Offer MoveIn Specials:- NOTE: we do NOT recommend offering a month of free rent that can be used at MoveIn.

I had a similar off-season challenge and decided to allow pets ( with restrictions and clear house rules) and I gave a 30% discount to try & attract  snowbirds ( I’m in FL) - my calendar filled up for a few  months with a few pet owner bookings and  2 separate 45 night bookings,  did all this on pricelabs & airbnb -best of luck ! 

The second part of it is paying the owner their equity.

Would love to hear from anyone who has decided to use this kind of feature and what your experience was? 

Then two years ago I decided to get my RE License.

Quote from @Carl Rowles: Aside from the stigma of them, it seems like they’d be a decent entry point for new home owners, given the housing market the way it is.  

Quote from @Michael Smythe: Are you going to be managing your own or for other owners? 

The mentor will have an opportunity to know you, see your determination and will, and then decide to pour their time and energy into helping you develop.

Also, in general, I wouldn't solely rely on a single source, rather: 1) collect feedback from various sources, 2) decide which components are the most critical for you personally, 3) weigh in on the pros and cons, 4) speak with all of the operators to add to the list of pros and cons, 5) and only then make an informed decision. 

There in fact is no law in Texas saying you cannot have a HELOC on a non-owner occupied property.