So $4500 is a choice not an immutable fact. 

For most single-state investors, a local LLC is the practical choice. 

W-2 status isn’t a choice—the IRS determines it based on work conditions.

Not your typically RE agent and I don’t sell I only buy till the day I die, my kids will have that choice if they choose to sell.

Quote from @Vince Scipione: Yes, they are a popular choice where I live and work, however with the ever fluctuating cost of oil heat, many people have swapped over their boilers/furnaces to what is called a "Propane Gun" essentially it is a device that is affixed to the front of the furnace/boiler that injects the propane and ignites it.

DSCR can cash out 80% even on 2-4 units, but I was referring to OP's request for HELOC on investment properties To further clarify my previous post: 80% LTV HELOCS on investment properties are available on single family homes, 75% LTV HELOCS on investment properties are available for 2-4 units. 2nd position?

Method of choice was looking for potential properties online using redfin then when I had run simple numbers I would drive by each property and its neighborhood and if it was worth pursuing, I would schedule to see the property through the selling agent.

Can you provide references?

@Andy Ptak when jumping into the industry you have a few choices:1) Start at the bottom2) Leverage your experience to convince someone to give you a chance3) Decide between:--- Big companies who will usually start you at the bottom--- Small companies that will more like to a chance on hiring you for an above entry level position.

Has the metro inventory recovered enough as to where you're able to still charge a premium like 4% to one side as this inquiry refers to?