It's essential to clearly define your goals.

The Heloc can also pose as a debt obstacle since its an open end mortgage a.k.a credit card.a mortgage is also set up over 30 years so it offers a lower rate and payment. 

My goal would be to move in, add value, and exit in 2-3 years.

Do not bank on setting a new neighborhood record on $ / sqft - be conservative in your numbers.

If your property management company is good and has built an internal maintenance team which has set rates and had strong relationship relationships with licensed contractor which should keep costs in control, you should never need to shop contractors on your own I wouldn't think.So in short, our policy is give us your preferred contractors upfront if you have them, but then we work all tickets to resolution including dispatch, and payment of invoices.This is of course for operational expenses.  

Pretty sure they will have it covered in their PM contract.Their PM contract also probably allows them to set rental prices.

Cash flow in the triangle takes creativity, just want to set that expectation with you.

I never liked Airbnb's or VRBO's pricing structure because it seemed more like they set a price that will get you booked so they can get paid, and not necessarily for the profitability of your listing.

If you do decide to work with them, you could set up a clear partnership where they’re equity partners and you handle the management and operations.

I would not be doing long term financing on section 8 nor would I own any.. just my personal goals.