He needs properties and connecting with agents is a very low cost way to get properties, as Realtors are trusted sources for motivated sellers and naturally get deals brought to them.

Or maybe the ESA letter is from a bogus online source that isn’t acceptable.

They provide excellent, practical advice on every aspect of MTRs including cost metrics, location strategies, market data sources, needed furnishings, and more.

Any damages  a tenant must pay for, unless its an act of nature or tree roots. 

No 1 of the individual could replace USD, no, only China and that's a GIANT "if" requiring nothing less than radical change of their entire system of governance and social framework of such that's rooted many many generations long so, all but no chance there alone. 

I do believe that your HELOC will be a great source of capital to start your first deal but I wouldn't use it as a down payment (Speaking from my own personal experience).

Then I plan on going back to my portfolio lender with 2 town homes and a duplex free and clear to pledge as collateral for around $600,000 in financing so I can go buy some more real estate.If you know what you are doing, this can be a very cheap and convenient source of short term capital.

I have no prior experience in real estate, however, am fortunately enough to have access to sources of income besides a fixed job salary that provides me additional CF and a long-term safety net.

With today's market I think it's important to get creative with sourcing/structuring deals in order to make them strong investments.

I’m motivated to go all-in on flipping and currently source all my deals from the MLS and Zillow, focusing on properties in the $1.5M - $2M range.