As a broker, I do have access to about 15 companies that do helocs on investments! 

Carl, Sorry to hear about this.. especially while you're away I'm sure is not a good feeling. 

Happy to help clarify if you’d like.

You're going to torpedo a tenant relationship over this?

If someone needs everyone in the house to know something, they have a usable and accessible way to do that along with the confidence others in the house will see the message.3.

While I am always looking for off-market, as an agent with access to MLS, that's my primary source of looking for deals right now. 

Quote from @Brendan Jones: I am very new to learning about real estate and am looking for advice on my first home and how I can best use it to help offset my mortgage and generate cash flow.

In this case, your monthly payment with 20% down will have a good MARKET rate if your DTI works with a much lower month payment and no mortgage insurance(MI).

This is a great place to learn and further investigate investing in real estate.

You want an accountant who can help you strategize and who is responsive when you want to know the consequences of the financial decisions you are making throughout the year.Good luck.