Like Mike I was doing sub too in the NW for many years bought over 200 of them in fact so I have a pretty good working knowledge of that subject as well..

A HELOC might offer more flexibility if you're planning to purchase multiple properties over time, while a cash-out refinance could provide a lump sum that you can deploy immediately.1031 Exchange: If you decide to sell your Corpus Christi property, you might explore a 1031 exchange to defer capital gains taxes.

When I'm on vacation, grilling is often part of the plan, and having to pay a propane deposit and a $50 cleaning fee could be a deterrent.

I have experience in construction and rehab projects so would plan on doing a lot of my own work and subcontracting out the rest to save money vs the alternative of hiring a contractor to do the whole project. 

You should do well.

The plan is to use a 5% conventional loan to purchase a Primary residence.

I'm still very much in the planning phase.

As I just bought my first property last month and this will be the second I plan to do cost segregation on both but I won't have enough passive income from RE this year for those deductions to matter I don't believe. 

I'd love to connect with locals who are currently involved or planning to get into the short-term rental market.

I am interested as well, just moved from NC.