Oh, the stories I could tell; a fresh new made-for-TV special every year!

Do you have any specialized skills or knowledge that will give you an advantage?

A HELOC is not a special loan that has to be paid off ASAP.

I would advise to find a lawyer or a attorney that specializes in real estate and throw a couple of bucks there way so that you can get their illegal advice and if you can legally charge them to replace it professionally 100% do that

I know some parents collect rent, but put it in a special account for when their kid moves out and the kid can use that as a down payment for a home. 

@Arya ChenTo initiate a self-storage deal, work with a specialized broker, preferably from networks like the Self Storage Association or commercial real estate firms.

If you're willing to live with roommates it'll likely be much easier to find options. 4-5 beds is usually ideal for offsetting the mortgage. 2) Know your local zoning codes and go down to the planning department if you can.

We specialize in investments, property management and renovations! 

I leaned doing business in Texas everyone surveys before closing. out in the west we rarely do that unless its acreage or some other special circumstances we simply would not have enough surveyors to keep up with resi transactions in a timely manner.. but I can see in Texas were the land use rules and no building codes or lax ones and no licenses required years ago.. that you need to do this.. you opened my eyes on that one. 

I specialize in helping investors grow their portfolios strategically, and your skill set would be a great asset in this space.Best of luck with whichever path you choose!