I am really into real estate and I want to start as soon as possible, however I am studying abroad, and I'm constantly travelling.

Does that just increase your hold time, so decreases real estate activity?

@Elizabeth Nolan, I certainly don't know your area, but I only see two items on your list that could potentially add any real value.Patio space: this only applies if there is not already any type of outdoor living space.  

Happy to connect and assist you in your real estate investing journey.Happy to connect if you are interested to expand your portfolio@Albert Bui @Carlos Valencia

I was just thinking about how busy the real estate world can get, so I wanted to take a moment to check in.

A real estate developer rented out my family’s backyard and put up scaffolding to build a building complex in Queens, New York.The developer and my family signed a contract allowing them to use the backyard.

@Paul DentingerRecommend exploring as many sources as possible to get referrals AND cross-reference them to get as much accurate information as possible.Check out NARPM.com, BP’s Property Manager Finder (BiggerPockets: The Real Estate Investing Social Network), etc.Also, encourage you to learn from the mistakes of others - by reading posts here on BiggerPockets about owners not having their expectations met by their current Property Management Company.

I'm new to real estate investing and just wanted to get some advice, input, and constructive criticism on using a HELOC as a down payment to purchase my first investment property.

When referring to (Like kind) it focuses on the use of the property and not so much the type of real estate.

You could house hack a few Cleveland multifamily properties, then make your way to Columbus, which is one of the top real estate markets in the country.