Using a HELOC for Down Payment and Rehab Costs:A HELOC can be a great way to access equity for new investments, but taking out nearly all the equity on your SFH rental could pose some risks.

I founded First Access Lending to provide access where others can't.I can write second liens up to 80% CLTV on investment homes, sometimes with rates lower than cash-out loans, AND you get to keep the low rate on your first mortgage.The products are rare, so I'm not surprised to hear other lenders saying they don't offer them and/or recommend other products.Let's connect, and I can give you a quote!

That means I'm coordinating access to the home which is a pain.Start networking now to find some folks you can lean on and build that local network.

As the tree is cleared and we get access to the property, what should be done to be most efficient? 

It contains hundreds of files such as ebooks, checklists and spreadsheets for real estate investors: https://www.biggerpockets.com/filesGood luck.

I want to provide access through the common wall of the two units of a duplex. nothing fancy, sort of a "doorway" without a door, same size of a door.

It contains hundreds of files such as ebooks, checklists and spreadsheets for real estate investors: https://www.biggerpockets.com/filesGood luck investing.

I am wanting to move out of my current residence, and because of other benefits such as the experience I'd gain and the access to a low downpayment, all signs point to house hacking.

You also asked if you should put your own house into an LLC.Yes, I think getting a Home Equity Line of Credit is a great way to get access to that equity and only use and pay for what you need.Putting your own house into an LLC may affect your ability to claim homestead taxes so you may not want to do that and may also affect your home insurance.However, putting your fix and flip into an LLC can reduce your liability exposure but make sure you also have the right insurance on the property while it is being worked on.

I worked with them on some marketing campaigns, they run a pretty solid operation and have access to some pretty impressive financing packages for their offerings.