From there if you still want a smaller list, you can tighten up geography, eliminate ones that were resold recently, eliminate ones with "combined mortgage amounts" beyond what you are willing to pay (unless you want to target short sales), etc.That said, don't just expect either to give you a great list.

If you eliminate PM, you have a cap rate of 11, cash over cash of 25% and 29% roi. 580 cash flow.Its a no brainer.

High rent areas will attract more skilled investors but also eliminates a lot of competition due to the high barrier of entry. 

Just eliminate the problem & get the vinyl windows.

You are also eliminating some of next years deduction unless you plan to prepay every year from now on. 

The result was 1) Not getting enough quality opportunities in front of myself to execute on. 2) Eliminating any competitive advantage I did have when bidding. 3) I was too focused on getting the big deal done when I should be also scooping up bread and butter deals on the way to the big one.

I personally like the idea of college rentals because if you find next years tenants way ahead of time, or can even have a legacy style house for an organization that will pass it down, you can essentially eliminate your vacancy and thus increasing your returns.

What I liked most about it was that you can automate the process to where it takes almost zero time out of your work day and you can eliminate time wasters.Regardless, I wish you the best of luck!

Also, once I get the HELOC and buy my first investment property, what's the best strategy to turn around, eliminate the HELOC and leverage toward the next property?

Unless the Mortgage Industry says, "HEY.... we will ding your DTI because now you are paying more in personal taxes because of the SALT deduction elimination" I personally don't see this as being an issue.So the question will be, will Mortgage Banks include a reduction in SALT deductions?