That said, the realtor says he didn't have a contract with her and does not need a contract with me either and he works based on trust.

Each time I work with my bank to get a new HELOC at a higher amount, it takes the place of the old one and assumes it's balance, however I now have more to draw from to continue investing.

David,Reach out to @Lucia Rushton I have worked with Lucia several times and as a seasoned agent she has an a solid track record of finding good cash flowing STR's. 

Most investors I work with do either a regular refi DSCR loan or, take up to 75% or 80% of equity out of the home through a cash-out refi. 

A little more work, doable, and safer in the long run.

last year i had third party emergency maintenance in four of my six months vacasa managed.

It is hard work and takes a long time to get the ball rolling. 

This was a great home for us to live and work on while both of us work full time.

Important to manage contractor timeline and budget Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?

But this example shows how this leverage can work for you and accelerate your investment returns.