Aspiring real estate investor in Miami

[Sean Gradin]

hey BP!

I have been studying real estate for a few years now in an effort to decide which niche would fit my family's lifestyle. My plan is to invest in multi-unit properties starting with a duplex/ triplex.

I am currently AD Military and living in Miami where I own a home with some pretty solid equity. The home is on a double lot (.41 acres) near Miami international airport in the only part of Miami that feels like a small town.

I am leaning towards taking out a Heloc for a down payment on a duplex OR heloc, rehab the bathrooms and upgrade to hurricane-proof windows and then do a cash-out refi and use that as a down payment for a duplex. 

I am looking for some input and am happy to share more details on my situation if needed. thanks in advance.

-Sean