The search is roughly based on areas that are growing, and also prioritizing cheaper houses. 

That said, I suggest you prioritize continuing to educate yourself, by consuming podcasts, books, etc and make networking a top priority. 

Note, however, that some investors do and rely on the borrower's motivation to prioritize a roof over their head as justification.

Owner's duties.(1)To protect the physical health and safety of the ordinary renter, an owner:(a)may not rent the premises unless they are safe, sanitary, and fit for human occupancy; and(b)shall:(i)maintain common areas of the residential rental unit in a sanitary and safe condition;(ii)maintain electrical systems, plumbing, heating, and hot and cold water;(iii)maintain any air conditioning system in an operable condition;(iv)maintain other appliances and facilities as specifically contracted in the rental agreement; and(v)for buildings containing more than two residential rental units, provide and maintain appropriate receptacles for garbage and other waste and arrange for its removal, except to the extent that the renter and owner otherwise agree.(2)Except as otherwise provided in the rental agreement, an owner shall provide the renter at least 24 hours prior notice of the owner's entry into the renter's residential rental unit.(3)(a)Before an owner accepts an application fee or any other payment from a prospective renter, the owner shall disclose in writing to the prospective renter:(i)a good faith estimate of:(A)the rent amount; and(B)the amount of each fixed, non-rent expense that is part of the rental agreement;(ii)the type of each use-based, non-rent expense that is part of the rental agreement;(iii)the day on which the residential rental unit is scheduled to be available;(iv)the criteria that the owner will consider in determining the prospective renter's eligibility as a renter in the residential rental unit, including criteria related to the prospective renter's criminal history, credit, income, employment, or rental history; and(v)the requirements and process for the prospective renter to recover money the prospective renter pays in relation to the residential rental unit, as described in Subsection (4).

I know that David recommends that, at the minimum, a real estate investor should prioritize accumulating a property every year through house hacking.

I addressed the safety concerns and some cosmetic issues.

If they are liveable and no safety worries are to be had, then I say go with the kitchen.

Several of you have offered some great advice on what to prioritize on HELOCS, and I've been looking for a lender that can provide the maximum line of credit with an interest only payment option, but I'm curious how much I should care about the margin on my HELOC interest rate if I'm planning on using the HELOC as a short term tool to purchase properties and then pay back the HELOC once I'm able to refinance the property with a primary mortgage.

Footage..ingress and egress..zoning...health and safety...etc. there will much Capex to make it happen

Also, I'd recommend prioritizing the house hack because cutting your living expenses by a $1,000 or more with a hack will yield a net cashflow to your bottom line much higher than any simple rental property deal you're likely to find.