In fact, for tax sales in PA, the parcel number check is usually best performed first, to see what mortgages can be found (if any); seeing a big mortgage means it's best to move on to the next property on the list.And on a side note, IRS liens can be wiped out at foreclosure of any kind, provided the IRS lien is in a junior position and provided that proper notice is served upon the IRS. 

Spreading funds across 2-3 properties could provide diversification and steady cash flow.

HELOCs let you access equity as needed, keeping costs low unless you use the funds.Key considerations: If you plan to scale quickly, the HELOC might provide the liquidity you need for faster moves.

In fact, the more issues that arise, the more profitable theses properties become for the ancillary service providers....and you want to know why these investments are pushed aggressively by so many (besides of course requiring nothing more than a pulse to buy them). 

You will also provide the whole amount if you plan on repaying the loan in full beforehand.  

Allocate equity based on contributions: you provide the $235K HELOC and management, while your former boss contributes renovation expertise and labor.

They EASILY paid $30k extra to get seller financing with $150k down.

It may sound nice to pay a 6% management fee but the extra fees can add up to be more than the other company that charges 10% with no additional fees.

I can see how starting with a 4-plex could provide better returns and learning opportunities without an overwhelming jump in complexity.

Since house flipping has become so popular over the past few years, it's never been more critical to give your projects that extra *POP* that homebuyers will notice as they're swiping through Zillow.