There is also something called a second tier VA loan.

I have three clients that assure me they will pay a $150 Retainer fee once I find them a house for them to rent.

They will also bid against you until the reserve is met.All three homes I bought were under $25k.  

Deals don't come my way very often unless I make them but two or three times a year I'll get a call and it's a great deal.

Most folks working at your bank are just sales people making $15 an hour, so they may hear the term HELOC and say, oh yeah we do those, when in reality you are actually looking for a different product.I have a Secured LOC on one of my free and clear Rentals, another on my free and clear pickup, and three unsecured lines with just my personal guarantee.Hope that clarifies my earlier comment.

It turned out, after during a bit more research, that the title actually includes three lots.

From an early retirement standpoint. this can either set you back or set you ahead by 10 years vs going outstate or to a private institution if you have three children.  

You might be able to get three if the zoning allows, but you'll need to take into account parking, setbacks, and open space requirements (lot coverage %). 

I'm approved for a small HELOC and looking to purchase three single family homes in a small town west of Columbus.

All three cabins are 1 bd each and are almost consistently rented out nightly to weekly for $70 a night.