To avoid going through the same poor experience, keep reading.Even if someone gives you a referral here, do NOT make the mistake of assuming that the PMC will meet your expectations, just because they met the expectations of the referral source.In our experience, the #1 mistake owners make when selecting a Property Management Company (PMC) is ASSUMING instead of CONFIRMING.It's often a case of not doing enough research, as they don't know what they don't know!

Given that I've been able to find brokers willing to give me a HELOC off my primary residence with a fixed rate are there any drawbacks of using a HELOC instead of a conventional loan vs a home equity loan? 

I think the insurance rates in Houston may be a bit of a challenge now as a buy and hold investor.

With rates as they currently are, I'm looking for every angle to get the lowest rate possible, and from what I understand, credit unions can offer rates slightly lower than traditional banks. 

You may have an amazing gift from Uncle Sam. agree not sure sacrificing 250k tax free just for a low interest rate is really worth it.. once you grab that tax free money your off and running ...

I've already bought the property because I was afraid of rising rates (got a 3.4% thank goodness because they're literally in the 7s now), but it's still costing me 1800/month before construction starts.

Follow-up question: if I hold the property after having bought it under the LLC's name, wouldn't I be subject to commercial rates instead of consumer rates when I go to refinance the construction loan into a permanent loan?

That's where the rubber meets the road in REI. 

Mortgage rates started to drop last week and they are looking much better as they trend down.

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