Or like now when the ROI on bricks and mortar is so low because of interest rates. 

Low closing costs, with minimal documentation and competitive rates.

Interest Rates: The Trend is your FriendSo do we know where are interest rates headed from here?

The HELOC loan will not affect your first line of credit interest rate. 

The money on paper may look good on some of the cheap homes, but the reality is often very different.

I’ve noticed that credit unions tend to have slightly better interest rates since they typically are not for profit whereas a normal bank or broker is.

I could house hack it though to help supplement some of those costs, maybe get into a home that needs some fixing up and then when rates come down and I get that forced appreciation I could refi and pull out some money if I’ve gained some equity?

According to my sources, CA is a tax deed state with a 1 year right of redemption.California is also a true deed state with no redemption period and no interest rate or penalty.

Low closing costs, with minimal documentation and competitive rates.

I find most of my long term tenants just use cheap runners or area rugs to cover older flooring until they leave.