Would using an LLC be more beneficial, although several books did say banks would not loan single family houses to LLC's?

If anyone has recommendations for GC's, PM's, and lenders, that would be extremely beneficial!

That said, driving for dollars and other means to get direct with a motivated seller is a great way to find deals to flip.For flipping, check with your CPA but it may be more beneficial to flip from an S corp rather than an LLC.

When you refer to deal pipeline being a great conduit for finding opportunities that meet your criteria, are you saying something along the lines of "market analysis is beneficial, however real value comes from having a network that provides you the off-market deals."

On top of that are the excessive fees, which are around 1.5% per year for a mutual fund or other sorts of fund.If you have someone who manages your investment, the money guy will take 2% and other hidden fees as well.

At those prices it’s more beneficial to just pay income tax at 25% on it.

. $80k invested in a mutual fund, stocks, or other investment accounts compounded over the years is a lot of money. 

Interested in the HELOC - how would this be more beneficial in our situation to a cash out refi?

We could make the down payment happen for a multi but it would require pulling from other investments ie mutual funds, ind. stocks to make it happen.

Even though I will be living there, I will treat/respect my neighbors (aka tenants) as a mutual business relationship.