Is it difficult for a retiree w/low income to get a HELOC?

[Laquel W.]

My mother is retired and has ok credit (~700). I'm curious to hear from lenders on how hard it is for a retiree with ~$3K monthly income to get a HELOC? The property is a duplex and has approx value of $800K+, one unit is her primary residence, the other is vacant. We'd use the funds to fix up the building as well as take out money for a down payment on another SFH. In the long run we'd rent both units. I'm guessing that we'd be using about 25% -30% of the value of the home for the HELOC.

I'm hoping that she'd be able to qualify on her own since I'm looking to buy a home and qualify for a home loan myself within the next 6 months. 

~Laquel