I joined BP a couple years ago but failed to get started because I was to scared to try and put myself out there.

Also we were new at buying out of state and we bought a couple of dog properties not knowing any better at the time. 

Just when needed or every couple years depending on how well the property is maintained?

I've just very briefly touched upon a couple, and I'd encourage you to read through what interests you on these.In regards to syndication, there isn't an "average" to be doing this. 

What if I do HELOC on couple of those properties and take that money and pay for this new home.

Never used or heard of them, but have used a couple different HM lenders. 

I purchased my first absentee owner list from listsource a couple days ago.

A couple of questions that still bother me though: isn't the mortgage monthly payment gonna eat all income here in SD considering putting down only 5 - 10 % down?

I "found" it about a week ago while inputting the terms for a new lease... then a couple days ago I received an email about the "new feature".

This is an older couple and they don’t really want to do much by way of providing the information.This would be my first actual investment and would love to get some partners involved but all I have as of right now is a lead