All of these things will likely result in a lower offer being put forth (ie, it doesnt help the listing and sale process).Just my thoughts :)

@Brian BurkeThese are lower priced subdivisions  in Katy/Cyfair ISD. 

The higher the interest rate is the lower the LTV potentially could be.

I never thought much about closing costs, but seeing @Caleb Heimsoth's reply above points to another consideration with purchasing property on the lower end. $5k is a much larger percentage of a $50k property than a $200k.

I sold it and bought at a slightly lower price and rent price.

@Amber Bennett, yes, because your payments will be lower, but only for deals where you cycle your money (fix and flip, BRRRR, etc.) not buy and hold.

By cheaper i mean that it would be easier for me to get into the investment. i am living abroad now on a lower salary, but will be making a position change soon and start saving up a fund for a return to USA and to start investing. plus, by that time, I will have a track record on the san jose property that i guess i can use to get into other properties. 

After the HELOC, the CLTV will be around 83%.Would appreciate suggestions from experience BPers to lenders who would be able to do this at low rates and possibly lower costsThanks in advance

We lowered our rent a little bit and got it rented pretty quickly.

Even Midwestern markets properties are trading at a much lower clip than 12% ROI for properties.