I setup my plan directly through E*Trade.

This method works well if you are purchasing a product that is very uniform.

So just refinancing it would be the simplest method. 

I was planning on doing the BRRR method but I’ve also heard about doing a HELOC.

There are plenty of investors that just do that and they are very successful.Usually for a true BRRRR method we buy off market properties.  

I have been doing lots of research, but am curious if anyone has tips on an ideal first investment property, whether you are using the BRRRR method, house hacking, etc.

What is the best method to evaluate purchasing multi-family properties in areas that I'm not very familiar with? 

That has been significantly easier to perform in recent years and you can get more money back using that method as well.  

Since it’s the lender’s responsibility to manage their risk, not checking credit or accepting a low credit score without large trade-offs to leverage is something a true lender wouldn’t do.Properly vetting our borrowers is not only beneficial to a lender, but it also ensures the borrower isn’t getting involved in a deal that isn’t a good fit for them.

They should have adapted their methods and sources for supplies by now.