Regarding the house hack method,  depending on what kind of work the building needs,  I would recommend hacking the basement/ lowest floor unit first.  

You definitely want to work with a custodian that offers a flat fee pricing structure for the LLC asset and not a percent of account value method.  

Which method is preferable (assuming either is viable): refi/cash out or HELOC? 

Hi BiggerPockets Community,When I initially discovered BP, I had set out a goal for myself to purchase my first [income] property by end of 2017. I am currently in the process of seeking out options for financing the ...

I am glad you bring up the SMART goal method.  

I don't know the market well here, but it sounds like out-of-state might be the way to go.I would love to attempt Sacramento/Northern California, but home prices are high here, too.With out of state, do you use turnkey investing, or do you have another method?

Im new to real estate and have been looking at different ways of getting funding and am not sure which method to pursue.

It could be certain phrases, techniques or even methods that you have personally used; I am just looked to broaden my knowledge of how to turn nothing into a signed contract.Any other Tips or Tricks are welcomed as well!

If this method doesn't work then try asking your lenders how to expedite the process for underwriting and providing pre-qual letters within a quick time frame.

I love the BRRR method.