Happy to chat more, although I'm more responsive and active on Instagram @james_hwangThe real estate investing world is small and the MTR operator world is even smaller.

If the HELOC amount you're requesting is relatively low (often below $100,000), lenders might waive the full appraisal.Drive-By Appraisal : Instead of a full interior inspection, a drive-by appraisal involves the appraiser evaluating the exterior of the property only.Desktop Appraisal : This type of appraisal is conducted remotely using data and photos provided by the homeowner or real estate agents.Based on the little knowledge that I have about stuff like this it sounds like you need to connect with existing lenders in your network or find new lenders in your network that have programs aligned with your goals.

When it comes to real estate investing, leveraging your money can significantly boost your returns.

I personally believe in owning real estate in LLC's but the reasons are more for business planning than asset protection.

Real Estate is one of the most illiquid asset classes and thus takes months to work its way through.

One concern I have with this company is that another real estate agent owns it.

You should always vet your agent to ensure they are experienced and working hard, full-time, in the market.It's nice if you can find an agent that specializes in real estate investing, but any solid agent should work well for you. 

@Weston Young If you need a fire escape please make sure you can find a trusted source to build this.

I’ve been doing research and will soon speak to a real estate attorney, however I wanted to get advice from anyone who has had experience in this area?

Keep in mind mix-use real estate is generally more difficult to finance than multi-family or residential real estate.