Tried stocks and forex and although somewhat profitable on small accounts and micro lot trades, I get hesitant in pulling the trigger on risking more capital so figured I'll try real estate.

In any case, you need to review the due on sale clause in the current loan docs to make sure you aren't going to trigger anything.

I can take title to it and change it as I please without worrying about triggering a due on sale clause.

You just have to stay on TOP of the listing agent, ask them if they did an MMR this month already, its like a mini BPO they do monthly that will trigger a price reduction.  

Pull the trigger! 

That's what I'm aiming for, although I've yet to take the plunge.I plan on pulling the trigger in the next 6-12 months, all in out of state turnkey properties.

HELOCs are not good loans for long term financing, if you read the fine print, there are many things that may trigger the change in interest rates or having the loan commitment reduced or even called, they are best for short term financing needs that can be paid off quickly. :) 

You can always form a LLC/Corp later and transfer ownership to it but understand that it could trigger the "due on sale" clauseAs far as a LLC vs a corp the vast majority of investors I talk to do a LLC.  

I am so ready to pull the trigger but am so intimidated by the cost of housing in my area of Bergen county.  

A lease with option to purchase is not officially a sale, so that shouldn't trigger a commission payout in my opinion.