When an investor is knowledgeable there is hardly anything to fear, and it would help if correct facts were placed in public view!

Many people use hard money loans to do the initial purchase and rehab, but I believe those lenders typically want to lend to investors with experience because part of the criteria is evaluating the deal itself and the investors ability to execute.

I am aiming for a home between 150-250k, which i can afford if all hell breaks loose, at a 5% conventional 30 year term loan (unless a lender or someone else can suggest me a better loan) My question is what are the minimum requirements for obtaining such a home (capital wise, credit score wise, salary wise) Who can i specifically talk to for these numbers and help me understand tenant demand, areas, and more specific information about my market?

Most lenders I spoke with said HELOCS are not an option since there is still a lien on the property.  

Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?

Looks like my first step then is to speak to a mortgage lender about next steps.

Are there any banks/lenders which would provide some incentives on closing cost and give good interest rates?

Your Lender My suggestion to find #2 & #4 would be to go to the top of this page and click on FIND AN AGENT & FIND A LENDER.

And Zillow wont cleanup any address issues for a non-Agent.

I am currently making a list of at least 4 lenders to reach out to.