The kitchen remodel will be the next big thing we tackle on this project.

But more importantly it gives me access via a heloc to a large sum of money should I find another good deal so that I can tackle that deal without needing to use hard money loans and their insane rates.  

I am concerned about constantly being in debt to others while investing, how do others tackle this problem?

I chose to tackle the interior of the house first and in doing so gutted most of the interior of the house as mentioned before. 

Yep, looking to tackle a flip down here next to try and build some workable capital!

I still show it as cash flowing positively ($75/mo) but the COC return is now just 4.8% which is definitely not worth the time and hassle, and I don't think I'm ready to tackle a flip yet. 

So depending on your knowledge and experience, this may or may not be a good project to tackle.

You would then take this knowledge and tackle a home on your own. 

Sure, there are some inconveniences, especially when it comes time to tackle the main living space or the kitchen.

We did have a contractor come and look at it, and gave us a broad estimate, but just out of curiosity, what is the best way to tackle something like that?