He still got us a decent credit but the work we need to do to get renters is will cost much more than the credit.

Check with your local credit union.

Major in business (with a real estate focus), start learning through books, podcasts, and investor meetups, and work on building credit and saving money while in school.

In terms of using home equity, you would either have to take out the money using a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) or you could do a cash-out refinance.

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They can keep those loans off your credit reports, allowing you to maintain financial flexibility and freedom.

I used the background and credit checks offered through Cozy. 

You typically will see small banks/credit unions probably wouldn't be able to out-of-state, but otherwise any mid-size company or larger should be able to.

Is the line of credit different from refinancing the home that is free and clear? 

I have 2 other monthly loan payments I would like to pay off or lump in with my refinance as I believe with the forced appreciation and normal appreciation I will be able to pay off most my HELOC (5.99%) and all of my Credit Card that is currently at a 0% APR until end of May.