So I think I can try to keep something consistent RE wise going forward.Right now I don't have much of an interest in seeking the attention of strangers for investing, but I may in the future.  

what if ~ for this guy~ he had to put 20 grand of his hard earned money into this to be pushed into a bigger context and begin investing in his future by using real estate .

Did not try to research precedents.I just wish that there was a clean legal way to self-borrow without losing the interest deduction on future refi.I understand the legislative intent in disallowing interest deduction for equity refi.

Also moving forward at future judicial sales do you have any recommendations for a "newbie" in how to properly vet a house out to make sure that these liens do not exist?

As a newbie, I was wondering if seeking a conventional loan for my first rental property will affect my eligibility in the future to get a FHA loan to purchase my first primary SFR?

This is the perfect time for me to build the foundation for future wealth while having limited responsibilities.Can you guys help me with any and all realistic ideas?

I expect to be able to hold on to this property for the foreseeable future and eventually cash flow it once we move. 

Or just keep on the current path of paying down the HELOC on these properties and use mortgages to buy new properties in the future.

Make sure that you thoroughly screen your tenants in the future (i.e. pull a check on their credit, criminal, AND evictions history) and do landlord reference checks on everyone above 18 that will be living in the unit.

So, they will want to know that you are serious and in it for the long haul before they start giving you equity in the deal.Honestly, if I was in your position as a new investor with no experience who found an experienced investor to partner with, I would be less focused on how much money I will get paid in the short-term and more so on how I will use the experience I gain to make exponentially more $ in the future.