I am joking with this comment, but I was going to ask if you were new to Biggerpockets with your cash flow comment. 

As mentioned in a prior comment, a 401k plan does not require a financial institution custodian or trustee, unlike an IRA.The terms "plan administrator" and "plan provider" oftentimes mean different things to different people, particularly in the Solo 401k plan space.

Thanks for your comments January! 

Agreed with the other comments about the higher risk with HELOC in this particular market.

Trust me, I have been there.I suggest you try to House hack in cities that you are already familiar with and have some connection with.Hire a great investor agent in that market and ask them all your questions and concerns.That I believe is the best way to get personalized advice tailored to your goals and lifestyle.You giving out Cleeveland and Toledo on your post will only attract biased opinions and advise.Only you know what you truly like, want, and can deal with.As Nicolas said, read this post and comments and hope that gives you a new perspective. https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/12/topics/1215726-break...https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/963/topics/1195280-expe...https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/48/topics/1137397-balti...Goodluck and keep us posted.

Thanks to those in the forums who’ve been investing for decades and bring that experience in their comments. 

Vanessa,I second others comment on the advice of putting yourself in the owner's shoes and figuring out your selling points from that point of view. 

I agree with the above comments. 

Thanks for the comments.

It's a little funny these comments are coming from people who have 0 real estate experience, other than raising capital for operators and fix and flips...