@Joe Villeneuve When you're considering paying cash or borrowing you are dealing with financing costs for the borrowing and opportunity costs for you own cash.The cost of the HELOC is straightforward, its the interest rate and closing costs.The "cost" of using your own money is the opportunity cost, ie what your money would be doing if you don't use it as the down payment.If you've got $100,000 in cash, hopefully you've got it in a good interest bearing account that is paying around 2% right now or $2,000 per year.If you take that $100,000 out to your savings for a down payment you're no longer earning the 2% interest.

I have a nice chunk saved up to get started with a rental property (location TBD), so I don't need to sell, but I'd love to hear some opinions of those who have been down this path before.

I've had my eyes set on a few neighborhoods in Southeast (across the river) as that seems to be where the path of gentrification is headed.

Been learning for a while but had two paths fall apart on me a few months ago and now may have another to evaluate.

What paths do I take when lenders require me to have at least 1 flip or Brrr under my belt before they lend to me?

Goals the same...just taking a different path...using different strategies.

You may be able to line up your own subs that are cheaper than your GC if he/she is open to it.Either way, you're on the path.

You are definitely on the right path by building your team. 

Are there other paths that I can consider? 

We are working with a wholesaler to do our first fix and flip, but due to the slim margins, are unsure if this is the right path to follow.My question is do we look at out-of-state investing to make the numbers work?