The house is valued just under 200k, but he really doesnt have the right credit to refinance just yet.My husband and I have about 20k to work with.

We signed up for a “guru” course and then put a lot of real estate education on credit. 

I'm 21, not had a credit card before.

I'm 21, not had a credit card before.

One reason I don't predict a major crash again well a few.. and why I think fence sitters may get a sore butt.is that so many of the NEW crop of landlords are better prepared than pre 08  they have more money into the deals they are far more educated.. the turn key business is far more mature and reliable than pre 08... so that helps those markets. financing has been locked in at historic lows 5 % and under long term money is ridiculously good.. also this crop of landlords had the best buying seasons ever coming out of 08 to 2011.. so asset values were reset to under replacement values and under by a long shot in some markets.. 

Going forward, should I have a separate credit card for each of my properties?

This rent is $400 higher than the median for the area.At first I like the idea of keeping the tenant - I'm not sure I'm 100% prepared yet to do a reno, but I think I could make it happen, probably just scared.

Here is my question: Should we take out a HELOC (home equity line of credit) or a home equity loan on our existing SFR home (that is paid off) to finance a 10% down payment on the new investment's mortgage? 

It'd be nice if it were the utility company's responsibility, but I'm prepared for the worst.

Good afternoon,I have clients that are currently interested in a triplex property and qualify without an issue but the property itself does not pass the FHA self-sufficiency test without one of the unit’s income, since it has to be owner occupied for FHA due to one of my clients having a foreclosure on their credit that won't be removed until March of next year.