LTV would be determined by the type of loan.

You are going to want to find some good wholesalers in your area that can help you find distressed properties, or network/cold call some home/duplex owners in your area to see if you can find a discounted distressed properties, use the heloc to get hard money loan.  

I borrowed $30k on a personal loan from Discover for 15% with no fees for a plot of land and paid "cash" for it.

I then found 3 properties from wholesalers in areas that I invest in regularly and purchased the properties with a hard money loan.

Traditional bank loans can be slow and have strict requirements, while hard money and private lending seem to offer more flexibility.For those who’ve secured funding before, what’s been your experience?

Most people think real estate investing requires huge capital, perfect credit, or bank loans—but that’s not always true.

In Ca many loans are done through fractionalization method which is not that common in other states and illegal in some.

A better option if you can swing it is to purchase with your own funds, gain access, then refi into a loan.

Financing might be a challenge.I would recommend consulting with a attorney, loan officer, and CPA to discuss your specific situation and determine the best course of action. 

I recommend that you find a trusted or recommended Mortgage Loan Originator (MLO), who can give you options for property-based loans (mostly investment loans) and they don't use your taxes but the P&L of the property.