I go to make my move and purchase properties, and the lender closes/freezes my HELOC due to the economic conditions.

All is well even with the current COVID crisis.

In hindsight, that was the top of the market, a few years before the financial crisis.

There has never been a similar situation in any prior crisis. 

Before talking about an LLC, you need to determine the economic substance of the arrangement.

Whether you are a landlord or a real estate agent, in a crisis it is more important than ever that you keep people informed.

Absentee Owners with Equity can be good if you don't have a lot of competition in your area.The Low FSS list will be even more effective now, since people who had financial trouble before this crisis are most likely to have circumstances turn for the worse and be ready to sell.

But I am at risk of economic injury. 

I think you need to choose an economical route and a degree plan that makes sense so you aren’t wasting money on classes that serve no benefit to you.Or start educating yourself on the career it seems you have already decided on and save a lot of money.

. - With all of the economic uncertainty and many folks losing jobs, you may find success in renting to section 8 or other rental assistance programs.