I would slow down and think about your BUDGET, what you can get for $30k, and how you can increase your income.

@Muhammad Kashif Flipping a property in 6–9 months results in short-term capital gains, taxed as ordinary income (up to 37% federally, plus NJ state taxes up to 10.75%).

Your income isn't high enough for it to make sense as a rental and the closer you get to your residence limit the greater pressure you will have to sell it before losing your exclusion in whole or part. 500k right now can make $15k per year income with zero maintenance or tenant risks. 

And then your REI income matches your W2 income the first time etcTo your question: equity is the name of the game.

As a student without W2 income, you may need to show alternative income sources like savings, freelance work, or a job offer.

.- Low Interest Rates: Competitive interest rates make property ownership accessible, especially for those with stable income like service members.- Military Presence: With U.S. military bases across Germany, local banks are accustomed to assisting service members with financing.How to Qualify1.

Quote from @Brandon Croucier: Financing a commercial MF that runs as an STR is possible.Appraising a property based on the income is not, whos to say a buyer would STR the property. 

You still claim the income as miscellaneous income and deduct property taxes and mortgage interest (subject to SALT and other high mortgage limitations) on your Schedule A, but that's it.2. 

My plan is to funnel the rental incomes from all three properties, along with my W2 income, back into the HELOC while covering all expenses from it as well.

With that said, I am in the position where I will not need a monthly income from my rentals.