I've got about $525K in equity in the property, but lenders have told me that I cannot get a HELOC to access that equity for additional purchases because the duplex was financed as an investment - they have said TX law dictates that HELOC can only be used on primary residences.

We managed over half of the purchase price in cash and then the remainder was held as a 3 year seller's note.

@Preet Oberoi Purchasing a short-term rental (STR) or tiny home to offset W-2 income with depreciation can be effective if structured correctly.

Step 1: Get preapproved for an FHA loan for the purchase price you are looking for.Step 2: Connect with builders until you find a few that will finance the construction of your home. 

Once I was deployed on a submarine in the North Atlantic and they helped my wife with a 1031 exchange on the sale of a home and purchase of 2 other properties.

Purchased his “books and tapes” and attended 2 of his workshops.  

I frequently hear that someone purchased a new property because their real estate agent told them they could get X amount for rent, when in fact, the market comps don't support that amount.

Dear BP community, I am currently evaluating a property for purchase, and the listed bedroom/bathroom (s) count does not match with the county records.

I've helped a lot of investors in your area, and I find that many of them end up purchasing rentals in the Central Valley for the very reason you mentioned.  

@Jerry Velezif a property is owned outright with no mortgages, debts or liens on it, then it can (potentially) be purchased on seller financing.