A good syndication mentor will partner with you, and you should have DIRECT access to the main mentor (beware coaching programs where the main mentor has "coaches" working under them).

We decided that retaining access to our equity, while cashflowing the property as a rental was the best of both worlds.

If you have access to a great deal flow and are being held back by capital, then I would say you can grow that extra $15k at a quicker pace than the $150-80 = $70/mo net opportunity cost cash flow.You can objectively calculate this with opportunity cost calculations, rate of returns you're seeing, and inflation numbers.

This is why I removed the security deposits and placed them in a separate account that only I have access to.1.

Think of all the things that could go wrong and see if the lease addresses them: unauthorized pets or tenants, early termination, security deposit, lease violations, late rent, eviction, lawn maintenance, parking, etc.5.

Do you serve notice at 1 unauthorized animal?

For paint I have been using behr ultra tinted with sherwon Williams accessible beige.  

I'd also like extra cash as reserves to purchase an investment property in the near future.Question: Since I already have a great rate on my loan now, would it make more sense to apply for a HELOC and access the money as needed?

In order to access the equity you either need a loan or you sell to get the cash

You’ll find plenty of friendly, knowledgeable people willing to help respond to your questions.There are a few self-contained guides that you can access here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/guidesI really like the alerts feature that can quickly guide you to current topics that might interest you: http://www.biggerpockets.com/alerts