I believe I would have access to about 140k in equity.

So if you do want a HELOC get it before you move out.HELOC - Pros: Fast cash, easy access, flexible; Cons: Floating rates or higher rates, less available equity as cash, short AMMO; use to take advantage of opportunities quickly then find long-term financing later, best to pay of quickly due to increased expense over other financing optionsCash Out Refi Mortgage - Pros: Excellent terms (low INT, long AMMO, higher LTV=more cash), stable/low INT rates; Con: SLOOOWWW to take out compared to HELOC, slower to reorganize/restructure or close out; generally these are good for financing other deals that are longer term and stabilized in nature. 

By investing passively it provides access to metrics, business plans, acquisition process and best practices.

Do you have easily accessible capital or partners that would allow you to invest in more properties without selling? 

Make sure you check out all that this site has to offer.I really like the alerts feature that can quickly guide you to current topics that may be of interest: http://www.biggerpockets.com/alertsThere are a few self-contained guides that you can access here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/guides

I like the idea of the HELOC because at least I'll have access to cash to use to investment properties after I purchase my primary. 

You can add value to local investor-friendly vendors, give investors a space to congregate and give yourself access to best local investor network.

I do have access to the MLS and I'm starting to get goods at running comps, I have been doing practice comps everyday for a few months now. so let me know if there is any ways I can help

For example, if you are looking to connect with other members near you, want to learn from people in a specific area you’d like to invest in, or have a desire to find people interested in certain topics, you could use the search feature here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/search/usersThere are a few self-contained guides that you can access here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/guides

You will then get access to 80% of the property's value in the form of a loan into your bank account.