They can offer valuable insights into the local market, potential rental yields, and specific considerations for a rehab project like the one you're planning.

I’m trying to keep things moving, but this $20K requirement is throwing a wrench in my plans.

If I have several options, I would prefer a HELOC with no initial draw requirements (i.e. to establish a literal line of credit that I have no specific short term plans to use), i.e. not something like the better.com HELOC. 

The plan is to use the proceeds from this rental to buy another rental property for about $650-700K, plus to pay off the home that they live in now ($260K owed).

I was planning on searching here today to see if I can find any meetups in our area.

From the public website,The BetterLife Tribe program offers everything you need to achieve real estate success:Monthly Calls with Brandon Turner and top real estate experts, providing you with insider knowledge and strategies.1-on-1 Personalized Coaching to tailor a growth plan specific to your goals and challenges.Access to the reiOS System of Success, the exact operating system Brandon used to scale Open Door Capital to over $1B in assets.World-Class Real Estate Education and Tools that equip you with the skills to dominate any market.A Thriving Network of 1,000+ Active Investors ready to support, inspire, and challenge you on your journey.Seems like a great program like many do in the marketing materials

Habitutal seems the better plan unless the amount owed to you exceeds what you expect they can pay. 

I believes that well-planned real estate investments can open the door to financial freedom and generational wealth.Welcome!

In smaller towns, this is usually a specific individual within the Planning Department. 

They have monthly free events.I would not do any US programs unless you are planning to buy in the US.