Heloc cannot be used as a PITI reserve and or as an asset which is required in underwriting when buying more REI.More tradelines on credit can also cause a scores to decrease and higher DTI through the bureaus reporting.

Is there a way for  TIC to accommodate this requirement so I avoid the mortgage boot?

@Ellie Narie to build a home would require 2 different loans or a "one-time-close" loan. 

Not sure you can find nicer folks.

If you get good folks in that space, then you can move forward with the rest.

Most require 3 open trade lines of at least 2 years. 

I would imagine I need the right folks involved as well.

I didn't fully appreciate all the micro-skills required to buy rental properties, when I first started.

CA, overall, is a pricey state so I am sure there are folks near you that invest OOS.All the best to you on your journey!

Even though I didn't see it first hand(thank goodness for facetime), I had some trusted boots on the ground that allowed me to feel confident that they understood my requirements and had my best interests in mind.