What is a good source for a HELOAN or HELOC in December 2024?                            

They can be great referral sources for responsible student tenants.Best of luck with your first property!

.- Art/Decor:  We have sourced local art from farmer's markets and the like.  

If I am able to source properties in markets with potential appreciation and (even if minimal) cash flow, after all expenses are covered and with a property manager, then it sounds like it wouldn't take up much of my time.

It would be smart to do a full lease audit, estoppels issued, and tenant interviews.And if you are buying cash, there is nothing mandatory, since it is your money at risk. but again, physical condition inspections, understanding of tenants (they are a great source of information about issues with the property that the landlord may not know or may not disclose), surveys to understand accurate property lines, etc.

So cash flow is my least preferred of the RE return sources.  

Co-founder of Visio Ltd, operating a real estate investment fund across 48 states dealing in distressed single family homes sourced from financial institutions and sold to fix & flip and buy & hold investors. $100 million equity & debt managed.

I think the ease of use on the other OTA´s has skewed how people view Booking, but it is a really valuable revenue source IMO if you are willing to put in a little more work and deal with the occasional headache. 

Because if you make good money and always have a source of funds for emergencies then you can use the money immediately if you have enough for a down payment on another property or put it in a high yield savings account or treasuries for a low risk return with good liquidity.

@Spencer DixonRecommend exploring as many sources as possible to get referrals AND cross-reference them to get as much accurate information as possible.Check out NARPM.com, BP’s Property Manager Finder (BiggerPockets: The Real Estate Investing Social Network), etc.Also, encourage you to learn from the mistakes of others - by reading posts here on BiggerPockets about owners not having their expectations met by their current Property Management Company.