However, especially if the investor is buying in an area they are not familiar with, they probably will not know the nuances of the local area. 

Hi Jerrell,  The best option for trying to get a HELOC on a property would be to check with local credit unions. 

Local CPI for this period is 3.6% so max increase in 8.6%. 

But honestly, have you just tried going to your local bank to see what they offer you?

Investors who are active in gathering data on local trends while working with knowledgeable agents are able to pick neighbourhoods poised for growth and also comprehend how to best mitigate their risks as they prepare to maximize their return.Myth 3: Distressed Properties Are in Bad LocationsAnother misconception is that distressed properties only exist in bad neighborhoods.

I'd ask for referrals, and reach out to some local folks and see what is working and not.Best of luck!

Using a local real estate lawyer is useful and cheap.

Looking forward to working and meeting everyone both local and non. 

Private equity firms seem to favor larger operations with scalable systems, while smaller mom-and-pop firms are often acquired by local players or regional operators looking to expand their footprint.If you’re looking for actionable intel, reaching out to brokers specializing in the sale of PM firms could provide useful leads.

If you are willing to live in urban areas you may want to talk to a local bank in your market and see if they have any incentives or grant loans for certain areas.