Usually HELOCs are for short term purposes so it would make sense if you can generate enough STR income to pay off relatively quickly

Ask them the requirements for a permanent or temporary residence and any short term (less than 30 days) or long term rental restrictions. 

What are the loan terms?  

Duplexes are probably too expensive but fourplex prices have stabilized at reasonable-ish prices for a long term hold.https://www.biggerpockets.com/member-blogs/10185/103223-kill...

@Monica Staple I have always found that the term GC gets thrown around a lot without a ton of context.

To be successful when you get into investing, you need to have savings, a lot of it to get started and have reserves.You can't house hack with limited downpayment, mediocre credit, and a lower income new job so your goals now should just be to focus on making money, taking care of your dad, and learning about real estate if you really think it's a think you would like long-term and not just the thought of passive income.

I'm not sure if you're house hacking, but commonly suggested marketing sites for long term rentals are zillow, apartments.com, and Facebook.If you're interested in doing short term rentals Airbnb, VRBO, Booking.com, and Furnished Finder.I hope this helps!

My wife and I are planning to move back to Texas and Tyler has us excited in terms of investing.

Hello, can you deduct travelwhen looking into foreign markets for possible purchase of a short-term rental?

Hoping someday to have the working capital to flip MF as well and when I come across a cashflow gem I'll hold it long term.