This makes complete sense as there should be zero impact yet...too soon and courts are closed.

I planned to use this equity down the roa to fund a flip, but with the current situation and the possibility of home prices declining in the future, would now be the best time to setup a HELOC while real estate prices haven't been impacted the most and I can receive the biggest line amount vs waiting 6 months?

Rates are impacted by the number of financed properties that you own, your debt to income ratio, location, loan value, and banks are very sensitive to market conditions when they release the rates for the day

But if you are forced to refi to grow, I'd max it provided costs are reasonable (less than 7% of amount received) and it doesn't throw your DTI out of whack for your next purchase. 

I think it may dip down a little this year and then fishing and tourism will probably be back full force next year.

I plan to house hack my first home after I see the impact on COVID-19 has on the market this year and following with wholesaling to grow more capitol to invest in long term rentals here in Cali.

People aren't forced to move, forestalling the consequences of the economic situation.

The rent values are heavily impacted by the location of the homes.

**We also live in a community that has an Air Force base so there is rarely ever a shortage of tenants.Thank you in advance for any advice!

Just my $0.02...No one knows how COVID-19 is going to impact markets long term.