My father in law is a general contractor and I plan to use his help throughout this process.Originally posted by @Jonas Mai:more points to add... once you get in the middle of a claim for yourself you will gain experience that IS very valuable for anyone with property (experience probably worth more than the10-20% your PA will take along with your chance to learn) .  

Trust law is some of the most complicated areas of law.

BNI offers a very good book on Baltimore landlord tenant laws and also has a lease available.

In terms of using the HELOC funds to invest in a rental property, the interest would still be deductible under the new law. 

The home I'm analyzing now is 1235 Plantation Dr, Dickinson, Tx 77539 (Last time I tried to link to something it didn't work so I apologize if this one doesn't either) What I'll be looking for when I'm actually in the market is something cheaper (hopefully with built in equity) with a mother in law suite that I can live in while I rent out the main household.

Paralegals are not authorized to practice law so couldn’t provide you with legal advice.

Any law against just having set principal and interest payments in a note instead of a rate and amortization?

@Saif Ali We always use Patten Law Firm, with great results.

Sure it may be a lowball and get denied....but its the law of large numbers.

I checked with an attorney and was advised that in Maryland the law is vague.