There are certain areas of KC that play more towards appreciation and there are off market deals that generate good cash flow and appreciation. 

Equity Created: $550,000 ARV - $409,000 loan balance = $141,000 in equity.Cash Flow: The property rents for $2,950/month, covering all expenses and generating slight positive cash flow.HELOC Potential: Post-refi, I can secure a HELOC up to $86,000 (90% LTV) to fund future investments.

From day one I treated my involvement in real estate as a real business.This means, I had an advertising budget, a lead generating and follow up process, a back end process and money source and above all an experienced mentor.  

Currently still favor the house rental for MTR and long term strategy in ABQ, but I don't think you generate any solid cash flow unless you can get a turnkey 2BR for under $250K.

But maybe your tenant reaching out and mentioning that they're going to be forced to file a police report for fraud could generate some traction...obviously the real objective here is to just get the seller to call you back...

Best you can do is individually pull title on properties. 

I actually keep a list our bookkeeping firm recommends based on firms/individuals we and our Clients have had good experiences with as well as I've personally had good experiences with.

HELOCs are not available because they are residential loans guaranteed by individuals and what you seek is a type of commercial loan or credit line which are available to seasoned companies with proven financial track record.

I prioritize appreciation, tax benefits (rental property expenses, depreciation), ability to use leverage, and passing on generational wealth with real estate. 

They tend to cost more to construct then they add in value, they are generally more valuable for a property you are holding as a way to generate more income.