However, this is a totally new space to me- Any advice for how to go about looking for a lawyer who works with individual investors and won't break the bank?

Are you not able to make up the difference with the HELOC and the rentals or would you prefer not to? 

We would prefer medium term so that we can still use the property and also would love to offer our place to those who are temporarily displaced due to the storm.We also are considering a switch to LTR, we already have one of those and know what to expect with that. 

Most of my funds are in flips though, and small faction in stocks; i prefer some diversity, and cryptocurrency is another option to branch out too.

Which do you use or prefer?

The policy consideration behind the higher leveraged loans is to provide financing for individuals who have high earning potential and are at the start of their career where the earning potential has not yet materialized and perhaps are dealing with the added burden of student loans.

I don't know about you but I prefer to buy/invest in a market that has strong demand when it comes to my future profitability.

I think youtube would be the simplest way to do it, and you can send a link to them however they prefer. 

from your experience do you know if appraisers would choose closer comps but adjust a different search criteria such as a lower br/ba criteria and adjust the arv by 5-10k on a lower lower room or bathroom count or would they prefer a property further out just to match that criteria. this is probably a case by case basis.

Can we hear from individuals who have experienced sustained success buying section 8 rentals while relying on entirely 3rd party service providers?