Here are a few tips to help you get started:Financing: Since you’ll be starting your internship soon, lenders may look at your projected income or require a co-signer until you have a longer work history.

You either have verified income and meet the other requirements, or don't. 

I came across a book on amazon called "How to own your home years sooner & retire debt free" by Harj Gill.

Freddie has a reno loan product that can be used for investment properties; this is only for first position, though.For the Heloc - it goes back to whether your mom wants to continue carrying the loan for income, and if so, how will you pay off the heloc once the rehab is complete?

Their rates are good but boy, they looked at my financials and ask some funny questions such as asking for proof that I could withdraw funds from my SEP IRA account, and that I need to provide documentation to verify that  this employer sponsored retirement account allows for funds to be withdrawn, or if withdrawals could only be made in connection with the borrowers employment termination, retirement or death etc. everyday they sent me something new to answer.

My wife and I have overhauled our personal budget to reflect the 'pay yourself first' approach (allocate in order: income comes in -> invest -> donate -> fixed expenses -> variable expenses -> fun $$).We are looking to see what experienced people generally recommend for a holding tank for that 'invest' allocation while we target our first real estate deal.What financial vehicles have you guys used that works well for this?

Different DSCR lenders have different guidelines.More on DSCR loans: DSCR loans won't use your income to underwrite the loan. 

@Thomas FarrellRecommend you first figure out the property Class you want to invest in, THEN figure out the corresponding location to invest in.Property Class will typically dictate the Class of tenant you get, which greatly IMPACTS rental income stability and property maintenance/damage by tenants.If you apply Class A assumptions to a Class B or C purchase, your expectations won’t be met and it may be a financial disaster.If you buy/renovate a property in Class D area to Class A standards, what quality of tenant will you get?

The northwest suburbs of Akron are the higher  income areas.  

I can get $7000 rental income per month total.