A HELOC carries a higher rate over a shorter amortization usually 10 or 15 years and a mortgage carries a lower rate over a 30 year amortization offering a lower payment.You have to run the math in each scenario because the math differs based on a few things like Fico score, CLTV, Loan size, and time frame between purchase and refinance of new property.

This offsets your mortgage and builds equity while you gain experience with lower risk.Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs): REITs let you invest in real estate without directly managing property.

Or your can buy multiple properties with small mortgages.

I bought under a secondary mortgage (don’t have a primary mortgage but 3 hours from where I live) and I put 10% down at 6.25%.

I've seen landlords held hostage for years by tenants who know how to manipulate the law.On the other hand, sitting vacant costs you the mortgage, taxes, utilities, insurance, lawncare, and other expenses.

We've rented out some of the rooms to friends for several months which has allowed for some help with the mortgage.

Thanks. because existing is super messy and lower returns for general contractors and HIC, I'd recommend looking at new construction too. start to finish 120 days right now on 1-3 family is what our market is going for high volume spec homes that have been built before. 

Their support is non-existent.

also noting most people arent' aware but the credit score run by a mortgage lender and say a general lender like a bank are actually going to be different scores (and likely slightly different ranges) - with some greater weights on mortgage debt for the mortgage lender Credit Bureau settings

Or maybe once you know what's allowed reach out to existing businesses to see if they want to expand.