I don't know if they still do it but if memory serves a few years ago TD Bank would do a HELOC on a rental in second position but only if it was titled in someone's personal name. 

What appears to be great "curb appeal" to one person might be overwhelming to another. 

I will caution you that if they pull something like this and you immediately start offering any concessions as is repeatedly addressed above - this type of personality will make note of that and the threats will be ongoing for the duration of their tenancy.

Gordon is the owner, I doubt whether he could completely hide behind his LLC to protect personal liability. 

HELOCs are generally provided to properties that are held in the owner's personal name.Are your family members not interested in refinancing the property?

The person worked for H&R Block, now works for TurboTax Live and is being honest about their skills: NOT QUALIFIED.

Do you rely more on the deal itself or the person behind it?

If you wanted to fund a portion of the down payment would you suggest a hard money lender, personal loan, etc.?

Haven’t used it personally but a good friend of mine who self manages around 20 doors uses it and swears by it. 

Unfortunately, this problem waste a lot of my time that could be spent on other investments.I have used the same tax professional for many years and he is very educated, but also much older than me and it's hard for me to understand all the reasons he has expressed why is better to put the rental on my personal tax returns.