Some of the pillar books specific to real estate I've read recently are:- "Rich Dad, Poor Dad" -  Robert T.

Heloc is a great tool, but it's essentially a credit card against a portion of equity in your home.

The fact that they charged you to come back and fix something that wasn't broken before they did their work and then one is still not working is poor service and workmanship in my opinion. 

I screen like I would a regular tenant but with a higher credit score requirement.I've had to take a couple back and wished I'd just rented them out. 

If the value came in low enough you can still work on lowering the taxes, but otherwise getting credit for an extra bedroom per unit is a good thing. 

Have a portfolio lender in mind, few PMLs, and potential line of credit.

I discovered rent to own at this time and after a day or so, I found a renter that would rent my house for $1,500 a month that passed all checks (credit, background, income etc...).

However, he has never paid principal, interest, or taken a deduction on the property (he lent his name and credit so I could purchase the property when I was younger).

There is no risk in establishing the HELOC (assuming you one can be responsible with such a thing) - its a line of credit, not a loan.

Most credit card members can borrow against their card up to $25K.