YOU could find success in either route but it depends on the fire in your belly to succeed and how determined you are to put in the work to make it work. 

Hoping to get one property at some point this year depending on prices and interest rates.

That being said you don't get that much "info" on the companies themselves at NARPM.org, just a listing of them.I can name a dozen or more quality PM's (all NARPM credentialed) that will do you a fantastic job depending on where your property is located.

Hey @Zev Dobuler It really will depend on how you are purchasing your properties.

The basic answer to the HELOC v cash out refinance question is that it depends on when you intend to use the funds.

When you are asking to talk to a CPA then they charge based on retainer or per hour depending on what you want them do to.

After repairs and say you have full occupancy, you will cash flow about 700 a month depending on your loan.

Flooring: just depends on if it's the whole house or just a few rooms.

Depending on the area, if you think it's a decent value you'll have 5 years to add value and refinance. 

It sounds like it depends from title company to title company whether they do this.