I have locked up one deal off the application and have offered in person on 2-3 other deals.

You just got your Realtor license and are looking to make connections with other Realtors and professionals and want to know the best place to start.First off, congratulations on getting your license.

But one good thing about keeping it as an STR it qualifies you as RE professional and would be able to deduct from your W2 income.LTR is much more hands off especially if it is a new build.

I've learned that the best way to do it is to start off with a purchase that you yourself will live in.

Hello,Anyone willing to share a source for off market land deals?

With everything rented I would take in about 35k....but that was a long way off.

This locks in your monthly expenses, versus  HELOC that is variable, and matches well to the long term hold of the rental.I use HELOCs for shorter term capital needs, i.e. flips, or even possibly the acquisition and renovation of a rental, but always with the belief that I will have it paid off in under a year, typically 6 months.  

Contractors don't make a living off marking up material prices.

@Davon Broadwater   Any kind of loan can be used on off or on  market homes.

Jay,I recommend finding an accountant who specializes in real estate taxation over one that is local.