You don't have to permanently  go into business with them.

I've been postponing this as long as possible, if not permanently. 

Or, provide accommodating housing either during the repairs or as a permanent replacement.Since this is in Jamaica, their real estate laws could vary. 

OSHA can fine a man not tied off on a roof at least $5,000 per man per incident.

The question I have is when I bought the home I only lived in it for 1 1/2 to 2 years before I got permanently stationed somewhere else, during these last 8 years I have rented it out and have not lived in it, will I have to pay capital gains tax seeing how I didn’t live in for the last 2 out of 5 years or am I protected because I had official orders and had no choice?

10 months at your current job is not too bad if you're a permanent full time employee and have a good prospect of staying employed.

It'd be a boon for more local investors to find ways to tap into this -'The vast majority of the money in the housing proposal unveiled Thursday, up to $200 million, would be awarded to developers to construct or renovate affordable housing and permanent housing and services for the homeless.

HELOCs are NOT designed to be permanent lending solutions.  

HELOCs especially are NOT designed to be any sort of permanent financing.  

Here is an article that I found on the Veteran's United website because I am trying to do the same thing:https://www.veteransunited.com/valoans/va-rehab-loans/The article states:"Here's what you can do:Repair or add new windows, doors, or sidingRepair or add new roof or guttersInstall new HVAC systems or water heatersImprove insulationWeatherizeTreat mold, lead paint, or moldMake updates to improve energy efficiencyRepair or replace the flooringRepair or replace electrical or plumbing systemsAccessibility updatesIn general, the project has to improve the property's livability and value and must become a permanent part of the home."