I was a successful bank executive and I decided to invest in a side business that was outside of my field of expertise.

There is a reason why "absentee owners" are a category for direct mailing campaigns.If $200 in cash flow are life changing to you, don't invest in real estate.

We were sending 5-10 offers a week investing in residential real estate.

@Jamie Banks if you are using them for account too, I can see it but is there any advantage if you use your current bank?

I have not yet invested but learning from everyone. 

Hi,I have 180k to invest.

I am surprised you found a bank willing to do this.

My guess is after fixing, in this type of investment method, the buyer will refinance  and pays the owner back. 

The net of the invest elsewhere equation would affect the overall 1.8% return on equity that the OP mentioned (IE if you invest for a higher rate than the cost of capital/funds from the HELOC lets say 8.5%, it would increase the blended rate of return of this property higher or lower than the 1.8% currently).

I currently work in commercial real estate and am incredibly interested in investing in real estate and work part time at a restaurant for extra cash to save for investments.