There are those who think the only way to get ahead is to be predatory in every aspect of their dealings. if they can pinch the other guy for a quarter in a handshake they will, pitiful there are such folks, must be in their DNA......not saying the OP is at that extent but there absolutely are people like that in RE.

Again, you could ask your HML for a recommendation.If you're really trying to pinch your pennies you could try to find a NOLO book that is related to dealing with contractors for home improvements, which might have a simple generic form which honestly could be "good enough".

I am a firm believer in only using my time to perform tasks that are the highest and best use of my time.Trying to pinch pennies and do things you are not an expert in loses dollars.It is two fold.

So in theory if the STR/Air b&b slows down and you're in a pinch you can always get someone in the house for 4-6 months.

You can use the HELOC as a down payment to buy a property if the numbers all shake out, but there are other ways you can get creative with it.I buy commercial real estate and use my HELOC for DD items and earnest money if we are temporarily in a pinch for cash.

Don't jack your tenants up when it comes to appliances, that's one of the defining mark of the small-minded hobby landlord looking to pinch pennies at the expense of their tenants.That being said, in my market segment, here are two cautionary notes: you will tenants who are just hard on appliances, and there's nothing you can do about it short of getting rid of them.

Our favorite holding period is forever, but we should still prefer to buy what could be sold with little hassle in a pinch. 

The opportunities truly are limitless and again, based off your more conservative sounding approach, you will find yourself in a pinch less often.

We cover the city Chicago as well Northwest and Northern Suburbs, but if someone's in a pinch I can usually find a way to get a tech or my self out to the Western and Southern Suburbs as well.We service all appliances the only caveat being microwaves; Microwave parts tend to be pretty expensive and are very labor intensive to fix because it typically involves dismounting the microwave from the wall and dissembling them is very time consuming.

Going into a small NNN investment with no understanding of your strengths is an easy way to get pinched on a deal.I absolutely recommend an entity (LLC).