Finding non-traditional sources of labor is a great way to save money. 

Is your state Judicial or non judicial?

So I called my friend today because I found out (to my surprise) that my credit union (and other local lenders) don't do HELOCs on non-primary residences.

After having the contract signed, I’d put it up on the MLS and market it there for full value and only accept cash offers with a non-refundable deposit; instead of selling it off market to another investor who will give me nowhere near full value.

For when you decide to buy non-house-hacking investments, I'd recommend talking to River Valley Bank.

One day I was on the phone non-stop from 10am-5pm searching for a property management company to help find a buyer for the 1st house.

For month-to-month leases you only need to give a 15-day non-renewal notice (refer to F.S. 83.57). 

a really competitive product that is 10% down, no PMI, 30-year loan for non-owner occupied properties.

For example, CA can take 9 months to evict a non-paying tenant. 

You must know how to dissect the information and come up with a non-bias opinion.