You want to keep this method as simple as possible.

It's all about giving the seller what THEY want and truly HELPING PEOPLE by asking questions and finding out how you can solve that person's problems.

:It might also be worth helping the roommate understand that evictions can turn up in background checks as soon as they're filed That's what I'm hoping will solve the situation when the roommate finds out about that if she didn't know.  

If your trying to scale this is one method.

I love looking into the financials on deals and love solving problems.

Honestly though if he couldn't solve that issue, best not to work with him.

It takes hard work and problem solving.  

How exactly does a HELOC solve the problem of not enough deals in your area? 

Bear in mind that foreclosure auctions are among the riskiest of acquisition strategies, and should probably not be on your list of methods until you are more experienced. 

Using this method you should be able to continuously invest that same 300k into rentals over and over, building your portfolio and providing tons of affordable housing.