Please click on the links, give them a read, and share your thoughts in the comments.First is a post that I feel will help not get overwhelmed with the amount of info that is here on BP:https://www.biggerpockets.com/blogs/5868/52761-the-simple-guide-to-getting-started-on-bpThe second is a post that will help get you focused with your real estate investing goals:https://www.biggerpockets.com/blogs/5868/52743-im-new-to-bp-any-advice-would-be-appriciatedThe last one is a post that will help you choose an “investor friendly” real estate agent.

Feel free to private message me.

I'm shying away from the Heloc as it feels like I'd have too many balls up in the air.

@Mark McNaughton First things first throw up a profile picture so people feel more comfortable and willing to give advice. 

I hope this helps- feel free to hit me up with any other questions.  

Good luck, and if you have more questions feel free to PM me. 

If you add a 2nd story,  you will basically be building a new house which is a pain. 

Sometimes it is to make themselves feel more important than they are, sometimes it is because they are selling some sort of snake oil solution, and sometimes because they are trying to help but they are working from incorrect information themselves.This BP forum can be a valuable resource, but read carefully and judge what is being presented.

If it's a larger organization, feel free to inquire about their different staff qualifications.2.

HiI own several multi family buildings in Central / North Florida and for example on an older duplex I pay $700 a year for insurance, which I feel is a good deal.