Generally, will 2.5yrs of US credit history be enough in my specific case (assuming everything else is in check)?

You can not practice real estate, but you still need to maintain your ce credits.

I got a HELOC a while back through Pentagon Federal Credit Union.

Credit cards?

.- Personal Articles: Coverage for belongings that have a special or collectors value such as Jewelry, Furs, Fine Arts, Collectibles, etc...Depending on which company is being quoted, some of these otherfactors may get you credits:- Insurance Score (company pulls certain info out of your credit report)   It is not your credit score but generally better credit will result in a    better score- Time at your job- Education level- time at current residenceGood Luck

I have great credit, and no claims filed in the past 5 years. 

The refinance and repeat.B) Use HELOC to pay off all our debt (car loans, credit cards, etc) about 43k.

I have excellent credit (745) and can provide w2 and all the required documentation.

My question is, are the rates/terms substantially better if I were to look at the local community banks/credit unions?  

I think it was only line of credit like a mortgageHELOC = home equity LOC, which means securedby your home as a primary residence.Mortgage or othe type of loans can be done on investments, but I'm not a lender.Ask @Chris Mason