I used a heloc to purchase the first 4 rentals, so $155k of dept is wrapped up In  that until I refinance each property which have already appreciated extremely quickly given the current market. 

This is my first rental and everything is taking much longer than anticipated.

This may lessen vacancy time frames

I didn't even have $1000 saved at that time and I was really just thinking of going the regular route of going through the banks and just save up as much as I could for a down payment on my first investment home to rent out.

Quote from @Don Bessette: First, you need to realize this is a business relationship.

You might be able to look for #2 and #3 and do 2 at the same time.

We decided to team up and try to take down our first deal together because they had reliable sponsors to sign on the loan and it seemed like we were working well together, at first at least.During the same time a different student that came through the high pressure three day course with us found a deal and had my partner help him underwrite it.

Welcome to BP and getting our first post under your belt. 

@Brandon Pimm my friend and I are in jersey as well looking at Allentown as potential first rental property purchases.

The area might just be extra popular at this time.