I'm barley starting out and just listening to the big pockets pod cast and I'm getting very inspired on getting my license for future references. please if anyone with good advice can help me I'll truly appreciate it .

I'd have stock pictures of the place while vacant in rent ready condition as that will do a lot to paint a picture for future tenants. 

If someone was thinking about buying a second home and keeping the first (living in one and both producing rental income), as a way to invest so there's money in the future for retirement, is it better to do a home equity loan, HELOC, or cash-out refi?  

Either way, expenses are too low.You need to learn how to estimate future expenses and rents.

I'm looking more for something where I can live at for very cheap or free, so I can save money for future investment.

With regards to the vandalism, I've already thought of using temporary security systems when a unit is vacant in the future (hopefully that puts me on the right track if I'm asked for an explanation). 

I am a complete newbie  so just looking to get familiar with the lingo and general concepts to help get some ideas on adding curb appeal in future flipsThanks in advance!

Here's my recommendations:When can your bank start using rental income from future properties to help me qualify for the loan?

But if it were me and you thought they were good tenants then I'd offer them the out, with a signed addendum, and let them know if they can use you for a future rental reference.Just my .02

Etsy and Artfire selling hand made or custom itemsEbay stores selling items you find in your area that others can't find or get easilyCreate a blog discussing something you are good or passionate about for advertising incomeStart a youtube channel for advertising incomeStart a services based business doing something you are good at and advertise on CraigslistCheck the Craigslist gigs area for one time quick gigs you can get that work around your scheduleUber or lyft as a driverHouse hack, or buy a house and rent out all but your roomWhile saving move your money from bank to bank to gain their 3 or 6 month bonuses like $300 bonus for holding your money in their savings for 90 days, then move it to the next bank offering that.Sell everything you are no longer usingSell photographs to stock photo websites like istock, depositphotos, etcBuy pallets of overstock/returns to ship and have Amazon sellBuild websites for companies using wordpressOffer to maintain the social media for all business owners you know, and take a monthly fee for some extra facebook and twitter time.Become a long distance digital assistant for some REI investors that need you to analyze deals, juggle calls, etc allowing you to learn along the wayOf course any job working in the industry you are looking to get into like an working with a realtor, investor, broker, mortgage agent, etc would be preferred since it gives you further advantages in future investments.Let us know what you decide to do!