I continually hear people talk about “paying no taxes” being a benefit to owning realestate, but I’ve yet to have heard a single explanation of how that’s possible if you’re making a profit.

I have VA benefits coming in but not enough to satisfy the debt to income ratio.

Benefits of HELOC: 1) Give me a more completive edge in the market (as a cash buyer) 2.

As far as tax benefits go, a self-directed IRA or Solo 401k would hold a clear advantage.

It will familiarize you with the basic terminology and benefits.

Provides added benefit of appreciation as decades pass by.

Any plan investment must be made exclusively for the benefit of the plan and may not intersect with you or personal finances.  

Furthermore, where the economic benefits to the individual participants are not derivative of their co-ownership, but rather come from their joint relationship toward a common goal, the co-ownership arrangement will be characterized as a partnership (or other business entity) for federal tax purposes.

And there’s no tax benefits by having them in an LLC.

If you don't and you are renting, then I would push you even further towards house hacking, as then you will get the double benefit of eliminating most, if not all of your living expenses, which in turn will greatly increase your savings rate.Other options could be, find a partner who has the capital, and you do all the heavy lifting of managing, and handling the property.