Check in with @Joseph Chiofalo he's a FL mortgage and RE broker and can point you in the right direction for a local RE broker.

For owner occupied properties federal law requires lenders to verify the ability to repay by the borrower.

Getting into multifamily will be much easier after your first deal and your local team is established! 

Partnering with Seth Choate provided valuable local insights, making this an attractive and strategic investment for Partner Driven.

Yes you can get a HELOC on your primary residence even if its 2-4 units it depends on the bank.Try a local credit union because some banks or CU's will only do them 1-2 units, but there are ones that open HELOC's for 3-4 units too like BECU.org.

I think you will need to participate in the meetings yourself to determine if they are worthwhile for you.Go to BUILD YOUR TEAM at the top of your screen and you can search for other MEMBERS or LOCAL MEETUPS.

Partnering with Graham Lyster provided valuable local insights, making this an attractive and strategic investment for Partner Driven.

The best thing I can suggest is to call around to local banks in your area (at least 3) and ask them if their bank can do this for you. 

Check with real estate agents, BiggerPockets Marketplace, and local real estate groups for properties.

Hopefully some locals will comment with more specific information to your area.