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.

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. 

I found the deal through a family friend who is a real estate agent.

After the fix I want to put it on the market so I can pursue other real estate opportunities.

I’ve yet to see one that’s real.

Hollistic REI was referred to me by Real Wealth Network, based here in California.

What impediments exist that keep women from enjoying real estate and financial freedom?

The attorney that does most of my real estate work likes to see the LLC formed in either the state where the property is or where the LLC owner lives.