I have a portfolio of properties (more than 20 units) that are being handled by a single property manager. 

A lot of out of state investors are buying up the best opportunites. 

I would like to understand more the North Carolina market and their trends.

I can help with this, would need some more info in order to set it up and see your options though.

There is so much growth in this market right now, coupled with the proximity to their market and lower entry costs, it makes a lot of sense to invest here.

You did read the O.P., right? 

Unlike the stock market, you can also use leverage, which could significantly increase your ROI.The bottom line is that you can get better returns investing in alternatives (real estate or otherwise) and more control investing in real estate (you have zero control over the stock market).

From there I'd recommend the BRRRR Strategy to get started. to learn more about BRRRR's you can check out the BRRRR section in the Forums.

I apologize if I wasn't clear on my question, I didn't really go into my plans for how I would invest as I didn't think it really pertained to my question, yes I know I should not purchase a rental using a HELOC and certainly that wasn't the plan.Whether it be a flip or brrrr, I would use some investment vehicle that would allow me to pay back the money.Roll into as when I purchase my next primary home, use the equity towards the house.The premise of my question was just is owning a home expensive enough now to where it'd be worth putting more money towards it when purchasing to lower payment/pay off quicker, or would it still be worth it to use all of that money towards other real estate. 

I read that Booking.com was also taking a hit and yet, I also read that the tourist industry was experiencing a boom.