Using a HELOC for the down payment on the second home might be an option, but lenders may require you to wait a few months post-closing on the multi-family before approving new loans.The BRRRR-style approach could work if you can renovate and refinance quickly, but make sure the timeline aligns with your lender’s requirements.

For a quick turnaround during the holidays, that rate might reflect premium timing.

Further, running a very quick and simple valuation based on $900 rents, 8% vacancy, 25% op exp margin, and a 9% cap rate, I'm coming up with an ARV of around $83k, so I'd pass if I were you unless you can get a much lower purchase price.

You've definitely come to the right place to find resources and connections.Here, you'll find several knowledgeable and experienced agents who can help guide you in securing the right property.

If you can get a single family home and have roommates, that's the most approachable strategy and will really allow you to know rather quickly if you hate managing rentals or not.Here's my experience starting at 22, and what I regretted from house hacking: https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/922/topics/1133476-hous... 

Quick turn over time.

You need a repair partner who can get out immediately and has quick access to replacement parts (if not already in stock). 

Our goal is to snowball our efforts and scale quickly over the next few years.I’ve read a few books on real estate investing, and I’ve heard great things about BiggerPockets as a resource and community for learning and networking.

Just make sure you do you research on Manufactured guide lines and requirements. 

Problem with these is 1) they won't appreciate as quickly as those closer to the city and 2) it's a whole different tenant base, usually with a lot more management.