From what I understand about HELOC's, they have variable rates and need to be repaid in full sooner than I would like.

The sooner the better in my opinion.

Which in turn may allow you to find a new tenant sooner at higher rent.Here's another example from personal experience of tenant needing to get out of lease:  A gentleman contacted me, was very honest about his situation. 

I will be placing a tenant myself and would like to establish a list of qualified candidates sooner than later so that I do have a vacant home for an extended period of time.

A common theme I have heard is that many investors say they had wished they had gone bigger sooner.

@Cody NeumannThank you, Please do you think my timeline is too long and I should do it sooner?

Biggest problem of not getting rid of them is she will leave sooner rather than later, yes?

@Clint G. the sooner the better if you're going to use them.

I would rather invest sooner than later and begin creating passive income, but I am having a hard time finding a good property within my budget that can cash flow effectively.

You might want to call a few sooner to gauge terms for your underwriting.