Re: using a HELOC to start investing in real estateThere is always a trade off of risk vs. reward and any decision you make is fine so long as you are willing to take the risk for the potential reward.Reward: get cash for down payment on an investment property.Reward: get cash for repairs on an investment property.Reward: get cash for holding costs of a fix & flip propertyReward: you avoid PMI.Reward: you can avoid a second mortgage on the investment property.Risk: your monthly debt payments are higher.Risk: business failure could mean you will not be able to pay for your home.Risk: in the case of bankruptcy you might lose 100% of the value of your home.

Its still trading time for dollars.

I hear this advice a lot about finding someone local to apprentice with and learn the trade.

I think it helps prolong the use of the unit, and results on a lot less emergency calls at those times of the year

Until such time as everything is done and you begin operating under the trade name with the proper accounts you are still operating under your personal name.

I'm so sorry for the experience, but thank you so much for sharing and exposing shady members of our trade!

I wouldn't trade it.Honestly, I've never had a problem with any of my properties that couldn't be handled over the phone.

It is ideal for the investor when trading up in value. 

In my city when you call the Police on the non-emergency line they never answer.

All of that said, maybe you think that the location will appreciate so you're trading cash-flow for appreciation.