After getting a good amount of equity in the house for future HELOC funding, I was going to move out of it and use the property as a rental utilizing a lease option, or, rent to own agreement. 

This experience inspired me to become a landlord myself and one day offer the same opportunities to families in need.

I could use some help with this.

Always great to do research and not rush too quickly, but its almost always better when people "make the leap" sooner rather than later like you said, I'd recommend at least putting some pen to paper on a date/deadline to do your first deal versus someday

Purchase price: $385,000 Cash invested: $79,701 Waterfront short-term rental condo (3bd, 2bth)https://www.seasidevacations.rentals/rentals/sunset-bay-villa-310-nauti-girl What made you interested in investing in this type of deal?

I purchased a duplex in May of this year and moved into the bottom unit with the intention of renting the top unit as well as the sf I moved out of which would put me in positive cashflow (the top unit of the duplex does not cover the duplex mortgage entirely on its own). 

(I've seen a lot of groups choose this structure)4) Become a part of the issuer (GP-side)I do not want to give other syndicators access to my investor database, so Number 3 seems like the best move.

I would not invest out-of-state into 4 units to start.

I will be in Cincinnati from 11/1-11/3 attending the REIAGC this year and would love to meet with any Real Estate professionals and investors while I am in town.

Overall my portfolio is too real estate heavy, I have more than 50% of my assets in real estate and I just generally think that's not such a great idea.