I went ahead and secured a HELOC.

Yes, college kids can do some more damage, but get bigger security deposits..there's a lot of money to be made for sure.Sounds like you're on a good track and best of luck!

I placed an offer on a triplex with security title company listed. 

Do you already have the $125k HELOC secured or is that your estimate? 

I read Brandon Turners book on creative financing and I would love to peruse some creative ways to finance the deals. my question is, do I secure the financing before looking for a deal?

After some google searching I'm having hiccups finding free "official/legal" leases for Colorado that I can alter and use for my tenants.

With all of that said, it does seem a little creepy to film people without their permission/knowledge, unless this is home security footage. 

Looking for some insight from experienced STR's about whether or not guests would be turned off by the presence of exterior security cameras (definitely nothing inside the house - except inside the garage which likely would not be accessible to renters - debating that). 

On one hand, the appraisal and inspection both considers this as part of the official living size of the property.

Basically converting assets that have reached their value peak, for assets that will create even more wealth generation.The tax implications will be offset by the new storage location early depreciation write off of roads, fences, electric, security, etcetera.This property was originally bought with a 1031 tax exchange, but we decided to pay our taxes on this property sale.