Access the Equity on Condo & Other Options for funding next deal

[Matthew Maggy]

My fiancee and I just purchased a duplex in Richmond, VA which we are house hacking with an FHA loan and I'm looking for the next deal.

I have a Condo in Reno, NV owned free and clear worth about $53k (Zillow estimate) that I've had before I met my fiancee and it is in the name of my trust.

My debt to income ratio is too high to qualify for the HELOC alone (all I have is the one mortgage). My banking options are limited to National Banks because I live in Virginia and the condo is in Reno, so I have to be there in person to sign the documents. My national bank turned me down for the HELOC and suggested to put my fiancee on the loan. Problem is, she's not on the condo.

1) Do I switch the condo over to hers and my names and forego the trust protection? As well as let go of my last shred of independence as a free man (kidding!)

2) Can I apply with the some local Nevada banks and sign some sort of Power of Attorney for my sister or somebody along those lines to sign for me? It's kind of an expensive airplane ticket.

3) Other ways to tap equity from the condo?

4)Other options for financing? I just bought Brandon's book on Investing with no or Low Money Down and will listen to the audio book when I get off of work. 

Any feedback or advice is appreciated.