He keeps his income stream without having to manage the property anymore, you get the property and can upgrade it.If you can successfully upgrade one unit and the exterior and show the increased rent follows, it might be easier to get an investor to help with the others.

Try looking at the surrounding areas which will not increase your commute as much. you should be able to buy a 2 family if you go out a little.

There are some HOA's out there that will only allow a certain percentage of units to be rented out and may have some other restrictions in the CC&R's.As for your question, the "best" way of doing something in real estate is typically subjective, but having a HELOC payment, in addition to the mortgage, taxes, insurance, and HOA dues, just increases the chances of having a less profitable property or one that may not cash flow at all.

I've wondered, during a downturn, when fewer people can no longer afford to buy, if demand for rental homes increases leading to raising rents.

Jobs in the msa is increasing too.

I am currently just analyzing to build some confidence and can’t wait to house hack my first property.

Is it better to use quality products or take the cheapest option to increase margins?

The Fed increased interest rates (for the third time this year) yesterday, and indicated they intend to raise them again in December. 

The point of this post to help share ideas on how to self manage your Townhome unit and increase your returns in the Kansas City marketplace.  

Part of this change is to increase density, public transportation, etc.