They provide excellent, practical advice on every aspect of MTRs including cost metrics, location strategies, market data sources, needed furnishings, and more.

Then I plan on going back to my portfolio lender with 2 town homes and a duplex free and clear to pledge as collateral for around $600,000 in financing so I can go buy some more real estate.If you know what you are doing, this can be a very cheap and convenient source of short term capital.

The answer is to find cash from some source (any source) and swap the note in your exchange account with cash. 

He needs properties and connecting with agents is a very low cost way to get properties, as Realtors are trusted sources for motivated sellers and naturally get deals brought to them.

I do believe that your HELOC will be a great source of capital to start your first deal but I wouldn't use it as a down payment (Speaking from my own personal experience).

My normal sources for DSCR are saying no.

Every deal sourcing method works. 

I have no prior experience in real estate, however, am fortunately enough to have access to sources of income besides a fixed job salary that provides me additional CF and a long-term safety net.

Target prospective homesellers from 2-3 sources and present these opportunities to your network.

I’m motivated to go all-in on flipping and currently source all my deals from the MLS and Zillow, focusing on properties in the $1.5M - $2M range.