I ended up offering to open an escrow account to place the remaining $6,000 I “owed” the contractor and should I have no problems after the 5 year warranty period, the $ would then be transferred to him. 

I found this on market and put an offer below asking price.

@Elenis Camargo Just wanted to let you know that I spoke with Pentegon Federal Credit Union this morning and although they used to offer HELOCs for investment properties, I was informed that they do not anymore. 

The most lucrative option Ohio Cashflow offered me was to use their real estate agent.

You probably need 10% for a down payment plus closing costs which could be another $10-20k.You can put in an offer contingent on selling your own property. 

Demiss, I'm not from your area so I can't offer any precise insight there but I do have a few pieces of advice that I've learned on the house hacking forums. 1.

Its a great way to come in with an all cash aggressive offer and get a better deal.

It's great to offer the service.

I'm going with 2 sentences...Tax benefits are secondary to the value of the investment...The large percentage of wealth held in retirement accounts is particularly notable given the tax advantages these vehicles offer.

I am very interested in meeting/conversing with some like minded folks who may be able to offer some advice on where to get started on this journey!!