Next, consider that with your lack of understandings this guy is in a position of influence over you and what he is telling you is "ehtically and financially" beneficial goes completly unchecked without challange as it plays on your basic desire to profit.

Listen to James, he has it right on the money.The only thing to add is that the size of your sphere of influence matters a lot when you're starting out.

Also be aware that the HELOC payment will add debt to your DTI which could influence qualifying for future mortgages.

For example some decisions are massively influenced by luck and others are not.

Imo, it really is the journey and not the destination and I'd trade it all to be able to do it again (I'd have to be young again though - no deal on just starting over as of right now)  haha.Good luck and please update this thread with your decision as I'm sure your logic will help influence my own.

Maybe you are better at finding deals, influencing people or networking.

Where you advertize can influence who you get as a tenant, you can say it has easy access to highways and other things that suggest it is good for commuters (if that is who you want).

@Armand Soto - unless he was driving a house while under the influence, not sure how that affects being a tenant.

Numerous elements will influence your approach and city of choice, so it's critical to do extensive study before making any selections.

Many things influence the cost of a specific study.