A lot of the more creative financing isn't worth the risk to me even though I could probably own more properties (HELOC on primary residence an example). 

Hi, I hope I've put this in the correct forum but if not, please direct me where to go. My current situation is that I'm interested in generating rental income but I don't have enough cash flow currently to make it h...

You won't be able to airbnb it since it isn't your primary.

Primary residence in a very competitive market is a different case.

We will be paying the entire cost of the place over the next 17 months from developper.The most likely plan is to take out a 10-year HELOAN at about 4.5% fixed on my primary house in CA which has a large equity to pay for the property over the next 17 months and then amortize that over a longer period of 10 years.

We did that, but I brought in a 40-year experienced veteran with over 40,000 units of experience and who has started national multifamily management platforms six times in his career. 

I am intending to rent what is now my primary residence and buy a new home.

My wife would prefer to stick to a SFH as our primary residence, but if I can accumulate some additional capital along the way, I'd like to get into SFH or duplex rentals to start.I'm also looking for some good local networking opportunities, mentorship, and/or a local organization to join for those just starting out.

@Ashish AcharyaThe Line of credit is for my primary home, hence HELOC.Plan on drawing down 50% of ths HELOC, move the money to my Rental LLC for investment.Can I deduct the interest on HELOC in this case?

I know how buying a house for a primary residence can become an emotional decision which increases the amount a person is willing to pay... but with attempting to pick up a long-term buy and hold, at least in my experience, the profitably is largely determined at purchase (and of course subsequent to this, proper tenant screening and management of the property).