As you grow your portfolio, keep an eye out for lenders who offer low down payment options for investors or those that allow leveraging the equity from your existing properties to fund new ones. 

It sounds like you have an un-permitted unit, which is essentially always a risk since there has been no notice to the AHJ that it exists and they can therefore initiate a code case to have it removed in most cases.

Look up ideal existing performing properties, your "hero's" as it were, find out who own's it, and reach out to them. 

Transitioning from construction equipment rentals into full-time real estate must have been a big step.I can relate to your passion for finding deals and helping others reach their goals—it’s such a rewarding aspect of being in this industry.

Two, you'll have a much easier time obtaining a mortgage product if you have a track record of W2 income.In the meantime, continue implementing the strategies you mentioned: save religiously, build your credit, pay any existing debt owed, etc.

If your mortgage and existing LOC was 230k or whatever it is just pay those off with this new first lien Heloc of 340k.

To minimize time the property is vacant, have the Realtor coordinate with the existing Tenant for the last 30 days of their occupancy for showings so you have the best possible chance of securing a new Tenant without a break in between.I would love to know some of the details of your property, and do a rental rate check up to confirm you have the right price. 

Zoning Ordinance ExceptionsSome properties in the target zone don’t meet the minimum lot area or width size requirements under the zoning ordinance, yet houses exist on smaller-sized neighbor lots.How could these properties get approval for development?

This is one area where it helps tremendously to have per-existing relationships with people in the industry such as family or friends.

This policy will provide additional coverage above what your existing policy covers.