I am a fan of utilizing equity in existing real estate owned to build the rental portfolio though at the beginning, rather than just relying on money saved alone.  

Instead, can you just cover the utilities or go to the laundromat.

Add utilities, lawn and pool care $800-1000.

A HELOC will not allow you to deduct I believe on the interest unless the money is utilized for repairs on your primary residence and not to buy another home. 

There is always a "rain delay" or "the foremans truck didn't start" or "We called in the stake out, but they didn't do it yet" (Sorry they are big on stake outs and I have never had the towns/utilities be off when requested on time).

Even without a budget for repairs/etc - let's just define "cashflow" as income left over after PITI & utilities for a moment - Mac Groveland and Highland Park are going to be tough.

-Utilizing creative financing to minimize initial costs.

Validate planning zoning requirements and access to utilities.

Between graphics cards and utility bills, hard to claim $0 for anyone I knew doing it. 

Not including land or utilities.