Love that you're educating yourself regularly through BP and books.

Any REGULAR monthly meetups you know of happening in Rochester, Buffalo, or Syracuse?

It seems like you're promoting a program or something.

You can use RentSpree and the tenants pay $49 for the regular or $79 with criminal background check.

Many people say "I know for a fact none of my family has judgments" but family members regularly do not discuss their financial problems with other family members, may be unaware of legal issues and their standing, and there also could be fraud.You should also consider any prior spouses among the parties that ever lived at the property as a marital interest attachs regardless if they were on title unless resolved by express court decree (in which case former spouse should join the conveyance).An attorney is not required - though you will need a properly drafted deed, GITREP form, and affidavit of consideration to record.

Vetting tenants is essentially the same as regular tenants, but expect lower credit scrores, bankruptcies, etc.  

You are only promoting participation trophies and rationalizing poor marketing.

Typically HELOC lenders don't escrow since they're often set up to be in 2nd and rely on the first to check tax/ins more regularly.

Money left in the account that isn't needed to regular bills and expenses, remains in the HELOC and compounds the savings benefits.

Practice regularly so your muscles are strong and fast.