The answer to this will come down to comfort level, funds available, and strategy you are looking to implement. 

Meanwhile, we were paying a crazy high interest rate to our private investor who had funded the purchase of all the homes.

Are you looking to sell a flip or are you in need of funding for a potential flip?

I found a property in my area that would produce decent cash flow and appreciation; however, I would have to use funds from a HELOC on a different rental property for the down payment.

I’m considering tapping into this equity to fund future fix-and-flip projects or even purchase another rental property.My questions are:Do you think leveraging the equity in my properties is a smart move for real estate investments?

Most banks/credit unions have clauses that prohibit borrowed down payment funds or seconds on the property. 

Get on a budget, build your emergency fund, pay off all debts, save up.

After funding 2,000+ loans across the country I know most lenders will have issues with these 2 things.

Ive tried to get a steady job to steady income and fox credit but thay hasnt worked out.Can I not get acceas to my Equity without these issies being solved or are there other avenues to acesss my equity funds to statt buying properties?

Could be that the funds that bought the loans are liquidating, or it could be repositioning in preparation for future business.