I would like to achieve the 10 property goal quickly before interest rates and property values rise and make it even more challenging for me to invest.

Much like the mortgage on your primary home feeling smaller and smaller each year as your salary rises... those rental mortgages feel smaller and smaller as rents increase over the years.  

Were you suggesting to just stay living in our current place in hopes of values continuing to rise?

Its not too bad for me to wake up before the sun rises and throw up some bandit signs. 

Now I did learn through the process that rates on multifamilies are rising. 

Are there any places in the U.S. that defy this rule, with consistent job and population growth, rising prices, and solid cashflow for rental properties?  

Probably won't be an issue until mortgage rates rise 200 basis points or more and that may be a few years out or even more.  

Interest rates WILL rise in 2015, but it won’t be as bad as you think.3.

Most everything I am looking at (and passing on) has a 7% cap rate.When calculating your costs consider that local taxes are rising yearly with property values.  

IMO stick with the HELOC until rates start rising.