In all fairness with the amount we are saving for reserves and cap ex it is closer to 2000 a month but it was a killer deal.

I've been just saving the cash flow and my own cash for next downpayment.  

Basically I'm trying to examine if there are any inefficiencies/pains in the *** that can be automated away to save hassle and headache.

Assuming the interest rates were the same you save with a HELOC  because their is  no fee and you don't pay interest on the money during those times it is not used e.g. between closing on a flip and acquiring another one .Am I missing something here?

My mother took over the delinquent tax payments in order to save her childhood home for sentimental reasons.

That would save me money in the short-term but it wouldn't give me anything in the long term. 

I have a about $2k saved so far and I want to get started investing.

I'm proposing a flip heavy first year to maximize profits followed by a split investment (flips/new builds/rentals) the following year to help safeguard those profits and provide tax benefits.

You will be surprised how much money you could save buying existing.

You’ll look back one day when you’re ready to buy a multi-family with a normal conventional loan, 20-25% down payment, and thank yourself for saving tens of thousands of dollars having used your VA loan for the first couple.