I have friends in Lakeland Florida so I have considered that however I like seasons so I'm not sure that would be great for me.

There are also retirement communities for the seasonal folks. 

Most of the older less tech savvy crowd prefer this method.

When my kids get older that may become a more attractive option.Doesn't making payments on the HELOC negate any profit from the second property? 

Super sweet older couple.

In this season of my journey, I'm working on getting out of my comfort zone and connecting with others, increasing my RE and financial IQ, and building capital for my first deal.

Call around to banks and credit unions and ask them what the minimum property value they will lend on and whether they do blanket loans, and what their seasoning period is--and anything else you may need to ask regarding your own qualifications. 

Wow great stuff gentleman, learning so muchfrom what i understand both of these are part of the total legal balance one way or the other, is there something in the distribution of these that might cause you to think differently on a deal?

As far as strategies go - I'd be leaning towards student housing with an aim on Grad students or older (I have a couple of friends still finishing off doctoral programs that would be a good resource).

They have their seasoning requirements etc.