You will get better rate and terms compared to the hard money route.

Thanks for the insights,@Jordan Ray I'm aiming for properties that need light-medium rehab using conventional financing, although wouldn't I only want to go the HELOC route after I've used up all available cash first?

I’ve also spoke with a lender (one lender so far) and they mentioned that some rules have changed and we might not be able to go that route. 

Learn the game first - THEN buy a(n income) property.If you want to go the business entity route, then learn that first, as well.

Point of the post : Over time, I have taken the DIY route on a majority of my properties and have learned a ton in terms of trade work.

Its a good question and lots of resources here on BP to learn - generally going the "conventional" route with mortgage loans from private lenders that conform to GSE (Fannie Mae) standards is great for your first few, then many switch over to "DSCR Loans" when they start scaling towards property number 3,4,5 etcI recommend talking to Jeff Welgan at Bluprint home loans to talk to to learn about the conventional options https://bluprinthomeloans.com/jeff/Also feel free to check out these resources on "DSCR Loans" which don't use DTI at all and are really good for scaling:BP-Published DSCR Guide!

The duplex route would be more maintenance, 6 roofs vs 1, etc.

My wife is also in healthcare so we've considered going that route too.

If you really want to be just an LP, than, typically the route to go is into a syndication, where you have no say, but the upside is you do your due diligence on the GP and invest.  

The 401k is from a past job so probably will go the IRA route.