Yes, it's harder: expect a lower maximum loan-to-value, higher pricing, and fewer lenders willing to do it at all. The underwriting mechanics match a primary-home HELOC, but lenders treat a non-owner-occupied property as higher risk, so the max LTV is often capped around 80%, sometimes less (confirm current guidelines with the lender), with a higher rate or margin. That mirrors how first mortgages already price investment properties above primary residences. Qualification also leans on the property's rental income, usually documented from your tax returns. The lender counts the new HELOC or home-equity payment against that cash flow. If the added payment pushes the property to negative cash flow under their calculation, the approval can stall, though strong positive rental income can often absorb it. The other hurdle is supply. Relatively few lenders write equity lines on rentals at all. Credit unions and portfolio banks tend to have the best pricing, but they're also the strictest about non-owner-occupied lending, so you may have fewer places to shop. We aren't against HELOCs, but match the structure to the plan. A line of credit shines when you draw and repay in cycles. If you already know you'll pull the full amount and carry it for years, a cash-out refinance or a fixed home-equity loan is often the better fit than a revolving line. We can run both options against your actual rental numbers on a free Roadmap conversation.