Plan is to purchase a couple homes over the next year.

As we all know, you are really paying for the commission in the purchase price. 

Here’s why lease options are a game-changer:🔹 Low Risk, High Leverage – Instead of buying a property outright, you lease it with the option to purchase later.

I've got about $525K in equity in the property, but lenders have told me that I cannot get a HELOC to access that equity for additional purchases because the duplex was financed as an investment - they have said TX law dictates that HELOC can only be used on primary residences.

You are definitely going to want to get a lawyer and as soon as possible.This will sound harsh.In your story, you have made a number of very poor decisions about how you purchased and managed this property. 

I have a followup question - I will realize a lot of capital gain from this home in Idaho, so I think unless I purchase a new primary residence I will have to pay that capital gains tax. 

To defer all tax you must purchase in total at least as much as your net sale.

Purchase price: $240,000 Cash invested: $60,000 I purchased this duplex in distressed condition using owner financing for $240K and secured a $60K hard money loan for renovations.

I am interested in purchasing a new investment property and have been pre-approved for up to $700,000.

I'm looking to purchase an investment property in Allentown PA.