Now, I’m full-time with Zuma Capital Group (ZCG), a company I co-founded to focus on acquiring and managing multi-family real estate investments.

Maybe even allow for a small kitchenette for full privacy, although it would be attached to the house with a connecting door.The yard has enough room to allow for it.

As you say, it's not a win-win at this time, 100%.

HELOCs are specifically helpful in this case so long as you are consistent with paying it back in a timely manner for the next transaction.

My first reaction to your post is if you're purchasing assets that are throwing off positive cash but your DTI is going up then it may be time to re-evaluate the type of assets or the expenses associated with those assets.  2.

That group is made to help first time investors build systems to get off the ground.

Your time is best spent producing the revenue that allows you to invest in the first place.That includes using local agents you meet and feel are a good fit for you, property managers, possibly buying completed properties like the one you posted here, and outsourcing as much of the process as you can as you get started. 

As far as a DST goes for replacement property, it can be a great potential solution for those who are no longer interested in the traditional responsibilites of ownership any longer or who may be having a difficult time finding adequate replacement property or properties. 

This would be my first time renting out rooms.

I go there from time-to-time.