On the flip side, if you get good at finding deals you have to move them to “first come first serve” and can’t pick one investor to be perfectly loyal to, even if you try they often will pass on your deal and you need multiple buyers ALWAYS.  

@Mike SchorahTo keep you busy wasting time while they take your money.....By the time you hit Guru status, you have perfected the craft of swindling newbies out of money.

You're spinning your wheels to nail down a "perfect formula" when it's probably impossible and certainly impractical. 

Timed the market perfectly with the refi and the combination of long term and short term rents is bringing you some amazing cashflow!

BiggerPockets the website is perfect for finding your go-to agent and lender

This is a perfect example of how real estate investing is never a one size fits all.

Ultimately, communication and compromise are key to securing the perfect deal for both parties.

Tampa, the main seat of Hillsborough county, has seen a cool off just like the rest of the country and getting a 4 unit in that price range is attainable.As you mentioned, you first want to buy a place to live in; this could be the perfect setup: live in 1 and rent the other 3 out to cover your mortgage and maybe even have positive cash flow.

Congrats - looks like you nailed the timing on the financings perfectly!

Yes there are two lenders doing non owner HELOCs but they only take simple cookie cutter high FICO deals (as is second position) and borrower has to be perfect.