For investors, this may present an opportunity to work with more flexible and cost-effective agents, reducing overall acquisition costs for rental properties or flips.

It could give you more flexibility in financing your next investment.

Research your local market trends before starting, and have a plan B (like renting out the property) if the market shifts unexpectedly.For anyone new to this, patience and flexibility are crucial.

For your first question, if your goal is to use the equity in your current home, a HELOC could offer you more flexibility to tap into your equity when you're ready.

For financing a portfolio of 19 properties, consider seller financing, which may offer flexibility if the seller is open to it.

There are many advantages*  A customizable fund provides amazing flexibility to raise equity or debt or even a combination of both. 

Can be structured in a way that you retain maximum flexibility in ability to refinance, sell notes, or utilize as colterol for future endeavors etc etc.. 

Sage is an outstanding product that is relatively cheap and flexible, if you have a significant portfolio.

And, I'm not against the flexibility of the relatively cheap Credit Card call a HELOC.But please don't try to confuse "flexibility" with "pay down".

Are there specific lenders you recommend for more flexible terms despite credit challenges?