Any tips/suggestions on getting started would be great! 

But now Kamala is going to give 25K to people to qualify for a house, so a lot of brainless people will vote for her.

Last tenant was paying $2300 but now I am clearly struggling to lease it even at $1900 (reduced from $1950 just yesterday)https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/2305-Windsong-Trl-Round-Rock-TX-78664/29568681_zpid/?

I apologize if I wasn't clear on my question, I didn't really go into my plans for how I would invest as I didn't think it really pertained to my question, yes I know I should not purchase a rental using a HELOC and certainly that wasn't the plan.Whether it be a flip or brrrr, I would use some investment vehicle that would allow me to pay back the money.Roll into as when I purchase my next primary home, use the equity towards the house.The premise of my question was just is owning a home expensive enough now to where it'd be worth putting more money towards it when purchasing to lower payment/pay off quicker, or would it still be worth it to use all of that money towards other real estate. 

If it was me, and knowing what I now know, I would find a market where I can invest in, be boots on the ground, and learn the business.

You are spot on and this is the kind of detailed analysis we are looking into now! 

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She now lives in a memory care facility, and her properties are part of an irrevocable trust.

We are all set up with Eastside now and working towards securing a property under contract.

I now have 2 roommates who pay down the mortgage.