I have a goal of investing in 5 rental properties over the next 3-5 years.I plan on spending a lot of time on Bigger Pockets and soaking up all I can from more experienced members.

If your monthly payment of your first house is higher because of the HELOC, your debt will be higher and the loan you will qualify for could be smaller.HELOC is a revolving account so if you max it out or spend more than a certain percent, it will lower your credit score.

I still am working a full time job but have been spending every extra moment possible reading and learning all that I can.

i have had glass cut for a window at ACE and they cut it for free and just charge for the glass by the quake foot so for your situation you may end up spending more depending on the cost savings and sheet sizes you get in comparison to your window size... i.e. if you save 30% on the glass price but 35% of the glass is scrap pieced you throw away your better off buying from ACE because they only charge you for what you need... 

Starting out for buy and hold , you may want to look at spending more on the initial purchase , and less on rehabbing .  

Whatever a person wants to spend their money on is up to them, but that made me think - - how many houses could I buy with that $150,000 or whatever it is? 

Is spending any money on the old concrete going to be of much benefit?  

Before you spend any money on education, go to these meetings and talk, talk, talk to the people who are doing the strategies you want to employ.

Lastly if you want change you have to spend the time, money, and effort as everyone else has before you. 

I'd rather go fishing or go get a tan.Regarding estimates, those were from his contractor -- if what he said was true; but I can't go as far as starting to spend money on inspection when he has no real intention to sell.