I’m currently reading Brandon’s book on creative financing and am interested in exploring the possibility of obtaining a home equity loan.

Is there a specific reason why you are wanting to obtain this information 6 months prior to the expiration of the current lease term?

During heavy rains, which are common in Florida, tenants almost need to wear waders to get from their cars to their apartments.The roofer does offer financing, but the rates are comparable to what we can obtain elsewhere.

To my point, that is a very specific type of investing, and obviously the worst of it is being shown for entertainment. 

You might talk with a real estate/estate attorney and see if it's possible to open a probate, have a Personal Representative appointed and obtain an order from the court authorizing the sale of the property by the PR with the proceeds being deposited into the registry of the court for later distribution when all the heirs are identified. 

It took a few decades to go from a hype to the backbone of almost everything from commerce to entertainment. 

If so, does it also tie up the tenant's ability to obtain a moving permit?

Does the high bidder at a foreclosure auction obtain an equitable interest?

Our goals: Obtain another investment property while not having to pay anything for a down payment.I envision that my in-laws would use $250k (equity in current house) as a down payment to get into a new smaller location.

The primary purpose is to assist eligible veterans in purchasing, building, repairing, retaining, or adapting a home for personal occupancy.Asset Protection Strategies: If your goal is to protect your assets, there are other strategies you might consider:Insurance: Obtaining adequate insurance coverage, like homeowner's insurance and umbrella policies (as @Greg Scott mentioned), can provide a layer of protection against liabilities.Homestead Exemption: Some states offer a homestead exemption that can protect a portion of your home's value from creditors.Trusts: In some cases, placing the property in a trust can provide asset protection, although this can be complex and requires legal expertise.Legal and Financial Advice: It's crucial to seek advice from legal and financial experts.