Being that rates are up it's another way to offer exatly what you mentioned; the chance to own for a couple hundred bucks more than renting.Thoughts?

Using leverage to scale, such as borrowing against this cash for larger down payments?

@Gash Nookala,Renting can indeed be slower in winter, but here are some tips to boost interest:Enhance Listing: Ensure your listing has detailed descriptions and high-quality photos—consider professional photography if needed.Competitive Pricing: Double-check local comps; even a slight price adjustment or incentives (like a reduced deposit) could attract more interest.Broaden Marketing: Beyond Zillow, Hemlane, and MLS, use social media, community boards, and local business connections to reach a wider audience.Flexible Lease Terms: Offering shorter or month-to-month leases might appeal to tenants during this slower season.Local Property Manager: A local pro can tap into their network and help fill the vacancy faster.These steps should help you find a tenant despite the seasonal slowdown.

Lets say for argument sake, that I rent out one unit long term for $2000 monthly unfurnished, the other unit, I live in so I only rent out one room for $1000 all bills paid.  

But new investors want that NET couple hundred bucks in month 1.  

I’m assuming you’re using the HELOC as a down payment?

In this case, since they are borrowing their payments, these would get added to the principal balance each month, and interest would be calculated on that.If, for example, the interest rate on the note were 10%, they would implicitly be borrowing their payments at that rate.

To strengthen my case I'm suppose to refuse rent for the months I'm evicting.

The only other option would be to get a coborrower to bring the down payment or get seller financing with a lower down payment. 

Lenders will want to see those funds deposited in a bank or other lending institution on one or two monthly statements.