But given our high cost city and sky rocketing interest rates, early and simple analysis of any property has so far resulted in negative cash flow. 

I need to make my first move so as to avoid analysis paralysis but I don't know how to go about it.I hope to meet a mentor(s) who can help me with my vision to own numerous single and multi family rentals to create cash flow, financial freedom, and a legacy for my family.

If it were me I'd offer her a couple of hundred dollars cash to be out asap, and screen more carefully for a better renter in the future. 

Are you paying cash for the property?  

You would want an closed end second mortgage instead of a HELOC for a long term cash use like a down payment.

Envelope of cash with a concrete, agreed upon date, will more than likely get this resolved. 

I have a large sum of cash stuck in an online real estate platform lofty.ai.

While my cash flow isn't amazing today, I'm investing in areas I think will experience appreciation and rent growth, and if rates do ever come down I'll refinance and be doing great. 

If you plan to operate this product, you still need to have cash to bring to the table as well as enough liquidity for rehabbing (you can get reimbursed through draws, but you start out using your own liquid).

I am going to build a house on it with cash and live in it.