Raise plenty of capital up front and have reserves for any of your current properties.Do Not Over LeverageSome experienced investors are purchasing at 65-70% LTV (Loan-to-Value) instead of the normal 75-80% to give them the extra cushion.

If something doesn't make sense, refine your knowledge by reading blog posts or asking questions on BP.

The problem is that the process takes extra steps and tax claim bureaus typically don't --- or won't care to --- take the correct steps to discharge it.

But just a random stab in the dark they want you to overpay IMO 500 extra for the headache of a STR isn’t worth it, plus you’d have to furnish it and pay for all the utilities.  

Anything else over that is extra.

Specifically, what R.E. investing vehicles (SF/MF/Wholesaling, etc.) best suites what I want for my futuristic R.E. portfolio & goals. 2) Searching for R.E. beginners and seasoned investors to share their experiences and knowledge within the field (and from application).

Just at a glance without running numbers I'd think the extra cashflow, and not losing those points for each refi, the HELOC even at a higher APR would win. 

I try to  stay away from the marginal lenders who do not understand the space well and so put in unfavorable conditions on the borrower to try and mitigate risk due to their lack of knowledge.  

I have two options in front of me either to obtain a rehab loan, which will cost me $10k for six months ( points, fees, interest) or just finance the entire deal with my own money (cash).The rehab loan will enable me to obtain an additional property, so in six months i'll have two properties ( one with the loan, another with my cash)  but it'll cost me an extra $10k (on top of the regular down-payment which in any case i'll have to lay out) .

Depending on the duration of your tenant, you can calculate the amount of extra money needed to set aside for this expense.