Of course, try to get multiple perspectives from different loan officers before committing. 

This makes it difficult to commit the kind of fraud that we often see with credit cards, in which people make a purchase and then contact the credit card company to make a chargeback, effectively reversing the transaction.My comments: I'm a consumer.

If you're in the real estate investment business and must watch every penny, irrespective of your time, then by all means, do what you think will keep your expenses to a minimum.If, on the other hand, you are really in the business of creating profit by way of being a good marketer and a committed dealmaker, your creative energies ought to be reserved for doing what you do best (or intend to do best)...

I’m committing 8 hours or so a week right now to learning about strategies and markets, and excited to network with others in the real estate business as well!

It's important to choose that one and commit to using it.

Therefore, I have a hard time committing to a house hack which contributes greatly to my problem of raising capital for a conventional mortgage with a 20%+ down payment instead of alternatives such as an FHA. 

No I haven't committed to anything in OR as yet.

It will be a commitment of time, effort, & resources, but the returns could be greater.

Before making any decisions or committing to anything, reach out for referrals and do some research on the company and the offer they are making.

@Richard PastorI would urge you to get a commitment from a lender on a heloc BEFORE going down this path.