In today's market, HELOC rates could be a dealbreaker on trying to do that so be sure to look through all your options first. 

There are so many condos south of downtown that seem like literal steals. 2-3bd < $100k.

I am not so much looking for servicing the monthly payments, but more of creating the necessary legal documents and filing with the appropriate govt entities so that I can place a lien on the title of the RE that we are purchasing. 

So I just bought a 8 unit building for 1.3 great deal 9.8 cap rate.

She used to live in the house and now lives with us for about 2 years now so the property still qualifies as primary residence.

Im handy so we’ve fixed up the house quite a bit on the inside and outside.

Over the next year or so, I plan to learn as much as possible while also connecting with people in my area to gain a better understanding of the market and opportunities.

Your not going to get the products for half off retail, so don't kid youself.

When you buy the property, you are also buying the lease that is in place and the rights/responsibilities that go along with it, so it is important to understand what that document says.

No one knows what the future will bring, so I would not make an all-or-nothing bet on refinancing in the next year or two.