However, in my opinion, the best median to acquire motivated sellers, is the median you can afford to do consistently over and over and over again.Generating motivated sellers from my experience is not a one and done thing or a whenever I need a motivated seller I will use this product or service. 

I am just starting my education in real estate investment and giving myself a year to get my first rental property.

It might take a little longer, but I can promise you that exposing it to millions of potential buyers will get you a higher price than a wholesaler will pay.In my opinion, it almost always makes the most sense to go the Realtor route.

Right now I'm about to order some books to get better educated on the process.

@Ley Woods check out the resources under the education tab above.

Unless of course, you want to purchase education from someone since that's a different ball game.

In my opinion, keeping the home and getting that HELOC out would allow you to have a future asset which an increasing rental market (more potential cash flow), give you funds to proceed on your next deal and invest, and the diversification in your portfolio to shield you from some market risks. 

Not sure how much more clarity you are looking for.If you want the opinion of a prestigious law firm, then you can follow the link below.https://www.skadden.com/insights/publications/2018/08/opportunity-zone-funds-offer-new-tax-incentive

@Gabriel Lamb Start with educating yourself first: read books on mfh investing, listen to podcasts, network with other investors local at the REI meetups.

The education I received through the podcast was invaluable in giving me the knowledge and confidence to do the first deal.