In some cases interest paid on the HELOC can be tax deductible if the funds are used for home improvements.Best of luck from Fort Worth! 

Many banks handling tax escrow accounts for mortgages have mistakenly thought there was one tax due twice/year or totally missed one of the taxes.Investors should research the SEV and the Non-Homestead property tax millage rates to project what the property taxes will be after adjustment.

I do well, at least enough to go on vacations as a family, put money into high yield savings accounts, max out the ROTHs and add to investments when I can with money saved in savings and checking accounts.

A landlord friendly state won't save you from a bad deal.Not trying to be discouraging, just realistic. 

I'm wondering if some one can help with an explanation about why a Hotel has many rooms with tax lien on auction? 

Do the math and you'll see it doesn't make sense.The best way to invest: increase earnings, reduce expenses, and save.

The high property taxes takes out most of the profits. 

Eliminate debt, establish a budget, and save.

Plus with no state income tax, cheap insurance, and very low property taxes, I’m probably starting $20k ahead of most people, and that’s a tax free $20k.).

Should I just save that additional tuition money and put that towards my first investment?