HOWEVER, you can still find deals that hit the 1% rule and positive cash flow.

@Melissa Sejour  The search function shows many have used itReviews are positive   examplehttps://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/49/topics/310282-busine...

I'm curious why you want a HELOC instead of a conventional loan in the first position.

I've had a positive experience.

I don't know where to invest, really drawn to Columbus for many reasons (some cash flow and stable appreciation)--what's been some people's positive and negative experiences in Columbus? 

Hi KyleThe way most real estate for sale is priced these days there’s little to no cash flow after debt service with 25% down - borrowing a down payment would put the investor in a negative monthly position. 

Although I’m guessing most people in this position would use Wordpress or something more customizable.

that we’ve learned in our 24 years, managing almost 700 doors across the Metro Detroit area, including almost 100 S8 leases:Class A Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, 3-5 years for positive cashflow, but you get highest relative rent & value appreciation.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, 5% the more recent norm.Tenant Pool: Majority will have FICO scores of 680+ (roughly 5% probability of default), zero evictions in last 7 years.Class B Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, decent amount of relative rent & value appreciation.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, 5% should be applied only if proper research done to support.Tenant Pool: Majority will have FICO scores of 620-680 (around 10% probability of default), some blemishes, but should have no evictions in last 5 yearsClass C Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, high cashflow and at the lower end of relative rent & value appreciation.

Quote from @Anthony Maffei: I purchased a two-family property in 2017 and now have around $500K in positive equity.

This creates a negative initial position.