What I detested was the process: collect all the bills, open the mail, rip off the stub, put the remainder in that bill’s receipt folder, write the check, make the journal entry, stick both stub and check in envelope, put on stamp, lick envelope, write in return address, etc.

Ideally you have this in writing but if not email your agent letting them know of the issue you are having and ask them what the next steps are. 

I recommend first surrounding yourself with a good CPA, as I learned that by investing with my pension, I am not able to take advantage of depreciation--a massive tax write-off!

You may be able to make more money with airbnb's, but not all money is good money because one of the major problems with airbnb's is you have to worry about bad reviews and guests write bad reviews for the lamest reasons.I am a contractor and I work for many people who own airbnb's and they make a lot of money, but airbnb's is definitely not a passive business.

Get every form you can find, compile the items on all the forms and create applications and lease agreements that covers everything you find on those forms and write that information to cover your butt and to make everything clear, in the beginning, for what you expect from your tenants.

Some of your questions are good but I did write an entire post on this subject for Bigger Pockets that you can find HERE.  

You can certainly write a cash out loan on a condo - as long as it's warrantable.  

If it meets your requirements then write an offer!

In the time it took to write and read this post you probably could have gone over and nailed up a couple fence boards, lol.

Basically, can I directly write a check from my HELOC to fund the down payment at closing or will it need to be seasoned in my bank account?