You have used home equity lines of credit to purchase investment rentals and want to know the best way to pay down the HELOCs.Between the two properties you bought, after expenses, you have $250 a month positive cashflow to use.What I like to do is pay down some principal every month with my positive cashflow.I use my extra active income from real estate commissions helping other investors to pay down the principal even more which just frees up that credit for me to use again.I know I can refinance the HELOC debt before it changes to principal and interest as it is just interest only payments as yours are.One difference is the cashflow, I have greater positive cashflow and could make the principal and interest payment in the future with the extra cashflow I already enjoy.I always get HELOCs on my income properties as well after purchasing them to pull out as much of my downpayment as possible.

You could put seller financing on second position and get financing for the first and do a 90% CLTV.I don't think any lender (unless private) will let you put nothing down.

So as @Melanie P. said, any positive cash flow is enough. 

Massive, I am talking MASSIVE positive. 

Your cash flow is positive on paper, but how will that look in reality?

Those that cannot weather the storm get wiped out.Having cashflow positive properties provides a margin of safety you just do not have with negative cashflow.Why are you focused on buying in your backyard? 

Building a trusted team is key, so starting that process as you actively search for your market will put you in a strong position moving forward.

Have any "students" or those saying positive things about the program closed any deals?

I was in a similar position with my SDIRA and decided on working with PPR.  

on the HML did U not get a first position mortgage or deed of trust with lenders Alta ?