I 'shop' every two years to make sure I am getting a good deal.

@Jared Weston I do actually own a home that has some equity in it that I am currently renting and cash flowing about $450 a month on, but it is also in a pretty hot real estate area where they are building shopping centers new homes a marina so I really want to let it ride for a while longer and see what that market does.

If you are shopping blind they will recommend the best areas to look for and which you should avoid.

What I have found that should work for you is to find an seasoned investor, and of course shop around for the seasoned investor because not all investment styles or strategies will fit yours, and use their experience to  serve your growth.

Let me know if you want to sit down and talk shop and see if we can't help each other out.

Is there a strategy for shopping for the HELOC? 

To use an analogy, a mechanic shop isn't going to teach you how to repair your car. 

Shoot me a line or a ring and we can talk shop

Lastly, here’s some things to consider and questions you can ask when calling around and talking to different lenders: What You Need to Know When Shopping for a HELOC

Sounds like I should continue shopping around.