Therefore not many people that may qualify to rent at $600/mo.

I still get qualified candidates from all sources. 

If you are someone who qualifies for an FHA loan, its an incredible tool to take advantage of and you should start there.

However, Peerspace has $100 deductible for qualified damages which is not so great for minor damages, or even some damages that cause around $200-300.

Consequently you either sell to the least qualified owner occupant imaginable, likely pay 6% seller assist, get crushed through the home inspection process or come to the conclusion going through that process 4 times is not worth the hassle and find an investor to purchase the homes as a package at a discounted price.

I believe I can qualify for the HELOC on my own, saving my wife with additional debt ( when used) on her credit.Is there anything to think about if I apply to the HELOC solo?

I planned for it financially, but it's a headache for sure. your rent is too high if they are sitting vacant.. there is more inventory than butts to put in them.. therefore competition for the few qualified tenants this will cause rents to go DOWN.. if a property is not rented in 2 to 4 weeks your rent is too high .. this is one of the major risk factors that many dont see when buying in a subdivision of group of ALL new rentals..

He's someone that I met through the meetups and has a lending business called mr qualified https://mrqualified.com/.

I'd look into the capital gains tax implications if you sell it now vs holding on to it.Yea, I've done the math on when I would have to sell by to qualify for a 121 exception.

Regarding my down payment, I qualify for VA loans and buying a primary residence means very little down for me if I don’t have the funds.