Talk to house hackers because that would be a great way to start, but you are also advanced with money so you may find smarter options that act more like index funds (syndications).Yes I was actually looking at syndications that was going to be my next research topic that seems extremely interesting and powerful syndication seems like an awesome way to diversify without getting my hands dirty necessarily.

We use Smarter Contact, been using it for 2 years now.

@Louis Hamilton,If a HELOC doesn’t work, you might consider these options:1.

Several of the contractors offer helical piers but don’t seem to think they’d be a more cost effective option - we can directly ask about this again.  

I have had a long term interest in purchasing an investment property and I'm looking to be smarter about this.

The more cash on hand the more options.

I do know Walter and have known him for more than 25 years, he is upstanding and he is smarter than the average bear, he's in the deal to help people and I have learned an immense amount from him I am now 67 years old and I bought my very first home by having my parents cosign!

But before I even get into identifying specific properties, I need to first get smarter about some of the other things I put in my post. 

We’ve found a great option for us in Tennessee with a cabin (currently used as a str) and a mobile home.

Quote from @Andre Lemberg: I've been using  Smarter Contact for over two years as a real estate wholesaler.