However, if you're running your numbers then you'll want to make sure that you're including all the interested paid for the money borrowed from your HELOC as well as the carrying costs including utilities, insurance and property taxes.

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.  

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

Otherwise, his rental portfolio is sufficient to sustain him.

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. 

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.

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

Validate planning zoning requirements and access to utilities.

@Edward Suess-HassmanTo make sustainable investments, set clear goals, research markets outside the Bay Area, consider creative financing, learn from others, build a strong team, and use educational resources.

I appreciate the input Danielle ...I see some of these virtual mailbox companies have an app and you can see what mail has been received on the app, while others allow mail forwarding ... are you utilizing any of this or just using the physical address for your LLC paperwork to be delivered?