HELOC's are discussed heavily in the forums.

@Creighton Bertrand Brivity is the best tool I found while doing my research prior to going all in on Podio, but unfortunately it's geared heavily toward Realtors and not worth getting if you don't have a license. 

In my area, I find that title insurers will rely heavily on the previously insured sale, if there was one.

Lastly, it is heavily preached, even on these forums, to always collect SD and first rent, in good funds, before turning over keys/possession.

Worked out heavily in our favor.

There are still people who invest heavily in California and have tenants.

I'm heavily considering providing the option to furnish the rooms with a full-size mattress base, mattress, desk, and chair (at my choosing) with an extra $75/ month on top of the base rent.

The due diligence is heavily centered around the books and the operation, more than the land and improvements.

Hence the future value is heavily tied to the free cash flow.A secondary issue that can impair the value of the property is financing.

Your still going to need to be in around 20% cash realistically to avoid a ton of legwork finding the rare lenders/owners who won't be looking for this minimal standard.Assuming that real estate rich is referring to more than just a heavily appreciated primary residence you may consider selling a property or two to free up some cash.