Don't take it personally. 

So, when you say they not do report on your personal credit report I guess you are talking about non-recourse loans? 

Ana,Based on experience and this market me personally I would avoid a HELOC for a few reasons.

Fingers crossed in 7 years I have not had to test my coverage, but in the area of my rentals a golf cart is expected with the rental.When they crash into someone else, did that person sign the waiver too ?

My PM used to have a person who did the payments and every year around Feb, she'd send out an annual statement for your taxes showing how much you got in rent, spent in repairs and management fees. 

I've learned so much through this forum and really want to get my real estate journey started.

Hello all, I am just starting my journey with real estate.

Note ADU addition in a MF zoned area may be comped with a duplex but I personally think this is wrong as a SFH with ADU is not a duplex.- it is cheaper to buy a property with an existing ADU than adding one   In addition you would receive RE purchase financing.  

Best of luck on your journey!!

Lastly, our DTI is maxed out per every lender we've spoken to recently as all the properties are mortgaged in our personal name.