That company supports foreclose bidders they produce a document daily on all the sales with same info I mentioned above and color coded certain props with extra caution Red or Green for ready to go bid with confidence. although this created uber competition. 

Seems like a red flag if you ask for it. 

If there is no problem then the HELOC will provide more flexibility since the cash out re-fi may yield more proceeds after improvements when applying the 70 or 80% LTV limit whereas you might get improvement proceeds from an investment loan but you won't want to because there will be a lot of red tape, inspections, draws, lien waiver compliance and a lot of other crap they load onto improvement loans on investment property.

I’d love to get your input on my options.Background:Age: 34Location: San Diego, CACurrent Living Situation: Renting a beautiful apartment across from the beach for $3,200/month.

If you are looking to build quick capital and another full-time job, then flipping may be the answer...if you are looking for a slightly more passive approach and looking to build that long-term wealth, buy&hold'ing is maybe a better strategy.I've found introspecting on where I want to go long-term has helped clarify my short-term path...The beautiful part is Chicago offers all options at affordable prices general speaking compared to other metro areas.

Navigating regulations and managing properties can be complex, but with the right preparation, you can find success in this dynamic landscape.Also, Colorado is such a beautiful state that it would be a shame for you to move out of it!

I’ve seen people hit a wall with red tape when trying to remove secondary kitchens or bathrooms.Finally, make sure the math works out.

The internet is both a beautiful and a terrible thing.

I saw their rating go down and should have taken that as a red-flag.

Rule of thumb is: Red states = landlord friendlyBlue states = tenant friendly.