Yes, being a licensed real estate agent will open doors within the field, will help provide and build solid networking (especially for information on off-market opportunities), and will help open access to software, programs, and systems that will absolutely support your role as a home flipper. 

Check them out on the web for reviews.

I have yet to find a HELOC program available for investment properties, however there are standalone seconds available for investment properties. 

.• Qualified Opportunity Zones Made Permanent: The Opportunity Zones program is now permanent, providing ongoing benefits such as deferring or eliminating capital gains through targeted investments.• Permanent 20% Qualified Business Income (QBI) Deduction.

Same for 2-years of job/income stability.Tenant Default: 10-20% probability of eviction or early lease termination.Section 8: Class C rents usually meet program requirements, proper screening still recommended.Vacancies: 10-20%, depending on market conditions and tenant screening.Cashflow vs Appreciation: Should cashflow immediately, at the lower end of relative rent & value appreciation.Class D Properties:Tenant Pool: Majority of FICO scores under 560, little to no good tradelines, lots of collections & chargeoffs, but should have no convictions/evictions in last 12 months.

True DSCR loans won't cap you or limit you based on your Debt-to-Income because they recognize that the debt that the property incurs (P&I, taxes, insurance, etc.) can be covered by monthly rent and if you can find properties that 'pay for themselves' then they will lend you the money to find more and more.Some DSCR programs will even alleviate on your personal credit and only require soft-pulls.

While it’s something to monitor, Section 8 (or the Housing Choice Voucher Program) has been around for decades and has historically remained pretty stable even through different administrations.

Same for 2-years of job/income stability.Tenant Default: 10-20% probability of eviction or early lease termination.Section 8: Class C rents usually meet program requirements, proper screening still recommended.Vacancies: 10-20%, depending on market conditions and tenant screening.Cashflow vs Appreciation: Should cashflow immediately, at the lower end of relative rent & value appreciation.Class D Properties:Tenant Pool: Majority of FICO scores under 560, little to no good tradelines, lots of collections & chargeoffs, but should have no convictions/evictions in last 12 months.

Absolute max LTV for 99% of DSCR programs is 85% (15% down). 20% down is much more realistic if you want decent terms.

The govt programs may be worthy, but I was hemorrhaging money while I waited.