We were able to work a deal in the last 2 weeks before it was finalized, we had to pay the max amount of interest for back taxes and water bills and liens on the property.

Unfortunately, it seems like the state of Texas forbids HELOC's on investment properties and I am reluctant to do a cash out refi (or sell the properties) as my current hard money rates on these properties are between 4.5%-6%.

Honestly there are several career paths that will help (Renovation contractor, real estate agent, corporate RE analyst)  but depending upon whether you are looking for a career investing/flipping versus using your W-2 career income to build more by flipping, you can approach it better in my opinion by learning through doing.Flipping especially 1 at a time isn't a full time job and my thought is that you get help on your first, maybe first few flips. 

I will reach out to the Golden Bear Insurance on Monday.

Hi, Im a recent high school graduate who has decided to take on realestate investing as a career.

Call the gas company, if it's not back on, schedule a time for them to turn it on.

Found through lots of online research and connecting with an agent who works with investors.

I plan on doing the site seeing before the conference.  

- How much would you suggest spending on a property(s) in my situation?

Keep learning but focus on your income and getting rid of your credit card debt/any other junk debt.