A heloc is an open end mortgage or in simple terms its a high risk credit line similar to a credit card that sits in 2nd lien position adding another trade line to your credit and reducing DTI.Just like a credit card if you ever miss a payment on any debts on credit or if your scores drop unexpectedly they bank can close or reduce your line of credit.

However, with mortgage rates being so high when I bought, I am worried I will have some negative cash flow (approximately 200-300 per month as a long term).

I'm currently being sued over $300 that I witheld from a security deposit return.

Calgary specifically is at all time highs.

:Class A Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, 3-5 years for positive cashflow, but you get highest relative rent & value appreciation.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, 5% the more recent norm.Tenant Pool: Majority will have FICO scores of 680+, zero evictions in last 7 years.Class B Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, decent amount of relative rent & value appreciation.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, 5% should be applied only if proper research done to support.Tenant Pool: Majority will have FICO scores of 620-680, some blemishes, but should have no evictions in last 5 yearsClass C Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, high cashflow and at the lower end of relative rent & value appreciation.

Will check out that book as a high level overview 

You need to think about your investment in terms of ROI (Return on investment).  

.- Continual market analysis to keep your prices neither too high or too low- For software, you'll need a PMS, some system for tracking operations tasks (we use Breezeway), communications tools for internal and external (we use Slack and OpenPhone, respectively)- The decision to self manage or outsource is a very personal one.

If you haven't done any flips in the area, HML rates will be high for you to start with no verifiable track record locally.

I found an 8 plex with a good CoC return, and a decent price.