One large regional bank is offering a 1.61% HELOC special for new customers, most are offering a prime minus 0.25% for customers that also setup a checking account for auto-draw.In swapping one HELOC for another I was told that you do not need to pay off your current HELOC, at closing the new HELOC provider will pay off the former HELOC holder.

The hills aren't exactly the pacific coast rim mountains and they aren't protected government land like in the Bay Area. 

Sorry - great data just doesn't exist for non-populous regions - plus I want to help the most people possible with this project.2)  I must have the ability to source this data from credible sources.This means that I can't do things like "landlord friendly metros" - as that would be subjective and require an exhaustive look at state by state legislature.Other than that - what do folks think would be useful to investors? 

You might have to expand your horizon to secondary markets in the Pacific NW.

I think the confusion exists due to the congressional activity surrounding the regional center "pilot program", which some thought might have been eliminated on September 30th.

This also helps me keep tabs on what's happening up and down the Puget Sound, although I tend to get more of a macro view.Long-term for me, in-spite of the fact that folks want to live close to where they work, I firmly believe that the continued influx of people to the Seattle area will keep putting upward pressure on regional home values.

Does anyone have experience with a house such as this in the New England region?

As a Realtor serving the Pittsburgh region, I am currently working with investors both local and remote.

Some Keller Williams offices will allow you to take classes in regional offices in the same area - we at KW can attend any class in any of the four sister offices in our region. 

My name is Jake and by day I am a commercial real estate underwriter for a regional bank.