Contact a local closing attorney as they may have one for you to use. 

@Christian Rodriguez  Typically there aren't any restrictions on how you want to use your cash once the Heloc has closed. 

Most will be licensed (as agents/brokers) in their states.

I would network in person or in FB groups. 2-3 months to close is crazy.

be sure to stick to your 70% rule for the flip, know your numbers. run everything conservatively. overbudget for time and costs but 15-20% Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?

Localized knowledge for an agent or investor is needed to answer most of these questions.

(For example, IF I was able to purchase the first home (multi-family) outright, paid-in-full, then use a HELOC to pay for the down payment and closing costs for the second home, would that be a smarter approach?)

We close on one more townhome in early February.

Good evening BP world,I am looking to make some contacts, specifically RE agents and hands-on investors in the phoenix area, in order to start acquiring some value add SFH investment properties.

(this has happened to me before here in Florida) Once you get more info from the agents you can hone in on which area you need to focus on.