If your aunt isn't in a big rush, another option may be (I'm not familiar with TX law):- Pay your aunt for a Right of First Refusal (means you get a chance to buy it before anyone, but has to be notarized by you and your aunt and filed at the courthouse)- Sell your house on or off market.

I’m a local real estate broker with Keller Williams, and I love helping investors find great opportunities in the area.

I'd recommend speaking with local specialists in your target market to look at multiple investment options side-to-side.Lastly, some of my clients have been encouraged to stay away from HELOCs unless they expect a lump sum (inheritance, sale of other asset, bonus, etc.) to pay off the HELOC in the next year or 2. 

Unfortunately, 99% of BiggerPockets posters who are not local to Philadelphia and choose to invest in Philadelphia invest in the lowest tier neighborhoods, just as they do in most other distant markets where they invest because they are lured in by the inexpensive cost of housing. 

Hi Meghan,Curious why you would choose DFW instead of Memphis to get started on your portfolio, especially if you are local.  

I plan to manage the properties myself until it conflicts with my regular job.I would appreciate any advice on these markets to ensure success and connect with local investors.    

He is interested in REI, has good basic knowledge on REI and has more than enough saved up for down but hesitate because of current market, interest rate, rental demand, capex, first investment jitters, draw of stock market, etc, etc. 

You’ve already got a solid foundation—understanding market trends, deal structuring, and negotiations will give you a great head start.I would recommend focusing on learning one niche at a time.

Maintenance can also be a factor—while newer homes may require minimal upkeep, older units might need more frequent repairs, particularly for things like plumbing or HVAC systems.Some things to pay close attention to:Zoning and Permits: Check local zoning laws and permit requirements to ensure you’re allowed to place a mobile home on your land and rent it out.

I own one rental house in Cypress, but with the current market I have not been able to find another existing single family home to buy that looks like a good investment.