How do you get access to a MLS guest portal ?

Both of these would be a big improvement over what I currently have with TVS.I am curious what the consensus of this thread will be. 

My question is, can I access MLS and properties without being assigned to a broker and having to pay their fees?

Yes - you have to find a way to improve the value of the SFR enough to cash out more than you owe on the HELOC.

@John Lee, Here are the pretty standard fees regardless of which brokerage: MLS access for a non realtor would be $886 for a year and $670 if you join the Realtor association-http://www.trendmls.com/Guest/ShowJoinLinkDoc.aspx.... $476 if you want to join the Realtor association- http://www.suburbanwestrealtors.com/membership/201....

That being said, over-improvement is a "thing" and many a new landlord has fallen into the trap of spending money with no ROI from those improvements.

Save up the money, improve your credit score, and buy smart.You can get lower down-payment deals through owner financing but it takes work and patience.By the way, don't make the mistake of spending your last dime to make a deal work.

Will have MLS access and already network with some good contractors.  

You need to incentivize them to mentor you or partner with you, either you work pro bono for them or bring something to the table of value.To your comment about "shady" or dishonest, I would encourage to you be as honest and forthcoming as possible, I don't know about you but I got into real estate because I wanted to do something meaningful, profitable for my family's benefit, I wanted to benefit from my level of effort rather than giving it to someone else, and most of all I wanted to make the world a better place by improving whatever it is I am working on; I want to be able to lay my head on the pillow at night knowing I did everything I could today to move forward in a positive direction and did so with integrity in order to prevent any form of regret. 

Sounds like there might be some things to learn from this experience and potential improvements to your screening process.