Look at it more like a credit card.

I'm also working on a Google Data Analyst certification to bring in some extra income while I'm home with our 19-month-old daughter.I'm still pretty new to this, though, and I'm not sure where to start or if I'm on the right track.

@Randall AlanRandy,I have roughly 1+m of funds, that includes open lines of credit.

You have used home equity lines of credit to purchase investment rentals and want to know the best way to pay down the HELOCs.Between the two properties you bought, after expenses, you have $250 a month positive cashflow to use.What I like to do is pay down some principal every month with my positive cashflow.I use my extra active income from real estate commissions helping other investors to pay down the principal even more which just frees up that credit for me to use again.I know I can refinance the HELOC debt before it changes to principal and interest as it is just interest only payments as yours are.One difference is the cashflow, I have greater positive cashflow and could make the principal and interest payment in the future with the extra cashflow I already enjoy.I always get HELOCs on my income properties as well after purchasing them to pull out as much of my downpayment as possible.

Once we changed to charging a fee, proof of ability to close, good income, a sizable reserve and reasonable credit, the students not only started taking the training seriously but actually began buying properties for their retirement.

I can do that for you if you are properly prepared with reserves and credit.

I think your future self will thank you for doing that.Perhaps take out an equity line of credit in case you need it and using a property manager.

You definitely want to use a thorough screening method like rentprep.com that gets their income, credit, background check, and call at least 3 references (make sure to verify them by address/job and then their name).  

All calculations suggest great investment for 4 bed 3 bath in good school zone, however once the tax estimator goes from $2200 to $9500 due to lose of tax credit from not being a primary residence it hard to see how to get property in SC.

I finally understand that credit card payments are exempt from needing to send 1099's.