I tend to be a very low risk person and even if I grow things slow, I should be able to pull that off within 5 years.The only thing is - my husband isn't as excited as I am to jump on the REI train.

You acknowledge that the Property has been offered for sale subject to withdrawal from the market, change in offering price, prior sale or rejection of any offer because of the terms thereof, lack of satisfactory credit references of any prospective purchaser, or for any other reason whatsoever, without notice.

Would I be better off continuing to save my money until the market slows down?

Slow and steady always win the re race.

Then withdraw through the HELOC whenever cash is needed (such as taxes).

It is slow but works

FACO Commercial is notorious for slow closings.

The ACH payment process is a little slow. 

The questions that are slowing me down are what if the appraisal comes back low.1.

but slow appreciation if any.