Would tapping into our equity ($400k) on our primary residence utilizing a home equity loan be too risky for our first investment property purchase?

I'm a New Jersey investor and I've been utilizing the "subject-to" existing strategy for about 3 years.

Or if I should refinance later and utilize a different loan down the road?

They have to do special assessments to pay utilities.

As of today, they've only received 2,500 applications, totaling $5 million in rent and utility assistance.

A SFH shouldn't have any utility expense

If the numbers make sense, you could try renting it for $X plus utilities and then bill them separately each month for another $150 to cover the utilities which are part of the HOA.Reality is that is about $100K of mortgage.

When you move, say every year, do you also utilize the equity in your primary house (before leaving it for another) via a HELOC?

The very fist question is always zoning followed by utilities. 

I’m just starting my real estate journey and I have this burning question that I can’t figure out.How do you know or decide whether you or the tenant will pay the utilities (water/sewage, electricity, gas, garbage)?