HELOC is best thought of as a short term tool.

Obviously Avery's podcast, book, and blogs on the Short Term Shop website have lots of valuable information and I have followed on researching the various softwares/processes/tools for automating and managing remotely, but would love to get some additional perspective or experiences before I jump in.Thanks so much!

Another reason I got my license as an investor was so I could join MLS and benefit from tools that Agents have at their fingertips and also so I can view properties without having to call an agent. 

This is a great forum with very knowledgeable members that will help to guide you in the right direction.The site has quite a few tools that can be helpful for new members.

And Dustin is right, if your previous property has appreciated in value, it is probably a good time to take cash out of the property to reinvest into the next property.

The requirements for your project is a bigger lift than you thought, and you realized that with all of the attempts through Upwork.It sounds like you are looking for a tool for personal-use or for your own PM company, but not for commercial resale.

There are multiple options available for screening packages; tenant involvement/no tenant involvement, instant reports, hand-compiled reports, and even income verification.You can find further information by going to Tenant Screening under the Tools tab.Best of luck to you!

Some use BP tool here. 

You’ll find plenty of friendly, knowledgeable people willing to respond to your posts.The site has quite a few tools that can be helpful for new members.

BUT, if you can make the transition, the contacts, income, and resources you will find as a Realtor are invaluable to yourself as an INVESTOR down the road.