I think it's important to bounce ideas around and surround yourself with like-minded people. 

I have 2 cities in mind that could fit this type of investment. 

I'll leave those to brighter minds than mine. 

So just keep in mind the HELOC rate today may not be the rate tomorrow.

Our hearts and minds are with you. 

Then we split the profits 50/50.This wasn't exactly what I had in mind at first (see OP). 

There's no right or wrong answer- I would just keep in mind the business won't magically blow up the week you drop out - you'll probably need to find a job & ask yourself which path will you learn the most and have the most time to dedicate to your RE biz.

Im always up to meet new like minded individuals

I will use real estate investing as a vehicle to free me from my "9-5 job" in order to spend with my family and live a purposeful life.I am mainly interested in buy-and-holds, but I'll keep my mind open for now as I am just getting started.My fiancé and I may very likely be moving to Germany within the next 1-2 years.

One thing to keep in mind though is that if you do win the bidding and put down your own 20% and then try to finance the balance afterward and it doesn't go through, you'll have to hit up a private lender (if you can find one), or file a Motion to Dismiss with the court to try and get out of the deal (and get back your 20%).