You need good design, professional photos and at least a scroll stopper item or two (something that is very eye appealing to entice the guest to look further at your property).- You have to work at filling midterm rentals.

One program processed over 3410 messages from real estate investors.

Once, I get a few loans out, and get my process down, then bring in other money from friends and family. 

Once you've found a trustworthy team, the process of scaling becomes much smoother.

Bought my primary residence in 2019 and been practicing the BRRRR method (more or less, currently in the process of turning it into a short term rental here in the Santa Cruz, CA area.

Process has been relatively smooth so far.

I am trying to get a HELOC in place just in case of an unforseen emergency expense (AC, roof, hot tub etc) and I am a little confused on the process. 

The easier the rehab the smoother the process Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?

I do it for a lot less than that, but I’ve streamlined the process.

Another issue is that out of state investors seldom bother to protest their taxes which is an essential part of the process each year...if you don't push back, that's on the investor.