This isn't totally necessary, but meeting property owners if you need to is a great way to win a deal

To qualify, you must meet material participation rules (100+ hours and more than anyone else) so that rental losses can offset active income.

I would try to reach out to other investors in the area through REIA meetings. 

Would love to meet more people.  

There's a breakfast meeting at Pop's Sunset Grill in Nokomis every Tuesday at 8am.

Have you considered dropping by one of your local REIA meetings to see what lenders your peers are using?

If we meet a resident through an OTA, we enjoy certain protections with that platform, but if, at any time, the resident wishes to extend, but not through the platform, we require the same background check, credit check, and eviction check as for anyone else not booking through an OTA. 

You can also check meetup.com or search Facebook for real estate investment groups, clubs, or meetings in your area.

Another pro for a HELOC is not having to meet a HML's requirements for a loan (insurance, draw schedules etc....)

If you are too busy to go see a whole bunch of properties in person, meet PMs, and help with getting your first property stabilized... you may want to wait until you have more time.Not trying to be negative, just realistic.