If you think it might take awhile, I'd just get that HELOC paid off and utilize it when you're ready.

And when you pay the invoice, in the Memo line of the check, reference the invoice number you're paying and, assuming you are paying it in full, write "Paid in full" or "Final payment" to keep Mechanics Liens out of your life.To avoid confusion, I tell my contractors before they start that they will be getting a 1099 from me at the end of the year and collect the required information right then.

I'm looking for any advise offered on areas that are hot for rental incomes, good value for money, better local real estate agents to approach, etc.Also - i have a dilemma where i want to get pre-approved so when i do reach out to my Agent, i can tell them that i am pre-approved for X amount and they can they see whats on the market within my budget....

@David Holmes are the properties worth more than you paid for them?

I don't recall what my prior yearly tax amount was, but for 2017 I paid a little under $500 and got an escrow overage distribution of $556.

Both homes were paid for in cash, and we own them free and clear.

I do this at certain times of the year to keep everyone paid until checks come in.

I got paid today, which means my 401(k) contribution should have bought a whole bunch of shares in an index fund at a nice discount.

The first ones are starting to get paid off, I'm still buying new ones signing up for 15 yr loans. 

Be sure to price the cost of decommissioning the boiler and installing HVAC that is controlled and paid for by residents.2) Old windows can be expensive to replace, especially if in a historic district.