My point was that your experience supports my observation in the sense that I think they are trying to be "market makers" and sort of control prices. 

Since I'm technically borrowing 100% of the purchase price by taking the down payment from the HELOC (rather than the 75% loan against the subject property) I guess I could indicate 0% downpayment and create some sort of blended rate that represents the new 1st mortgage against the rental property and HELOC payment.

I don't really understand your motivations for trying it though.

., but I can't see inside the place, what it looks like, what the renovation quality is like, etc.I'm a bit afraid of just committing to a purchase without seeing it myself, and from what I understand many of these turnkey units sell immediately after being listed, so timing is sort of important.Initially, I thought I'd ask my family who lives in the area to go check the places out for me, then make a purchasing decision, do inspections, etc.

I suggest having the practice provide you a paycheck so you can have proof of income, if you aren't already doing this.There's nothing wrong with getting a 7% return... probably through some sort of index fund/mutual fund combination... and then taking that money in a year or a couple years and starting the real estate journey then. 

It's really sort of six-in-one, half-dozen in the other, but they'd have to be willing to take unequal repayments, growing over the five years.

I have a good lead on an off-market duplex with a motivated seller.

Sort of stumbled into this first deal but hope to do better on next one

They will contact the property manager and that should be enough to motivate the manager to make good.

@Jarrod Kohl What are the sorts of key trends that you will specifically look for or those that will catch your eye?