A couple of them are big time investors these days with over 40 houses each and have moved up to STRs and commercial properties.Find someone that will share their opinions and suggestions and it'll help keep you motivated to get through the starting period. 

Once you finish the rehab, you can then refinance using a DSCR loan.Do you have enough funds saved up to start buying properties or do you need to refinance your current rental?

An asset protection plan is an excellent start but so many layers to this question.  

Consequently, new homes in these locations start at $550,000.

Also, if anyone has recommendations for HEL providers, I'm just starting my search.Thanks in advance,Todd

We are just starting out in all this and I have been looking at a few potential broad markets/states to start doing OOS investments, potentially in Ohio, Alabama, Connecticut, North Carolina, Illinois, Minnesota (I know - lots on the list). 

If you had 50k in credit card debt for business startup costs (not real estate) with a 3-4-year plan to pay it off, high debt utilization in the meantime and a 620 credit score - but wanted to start investing in rental properties - what would you do with 20k that falls into your lap?

Start with BiggerPockets Ultimate Beginners Guide (free).

@Srinivas Bondada - When first starting out, I highly recommend investing in somewhere close that you can check up on if needed.

Assuming the value comes in and the rents aren't too low for a decent ratio you maybe able to get enough money to save you.