Federal laws are the same for every state.

While it may be legal under state law, it is not under federal law, and the federal government can seize your property under civil forfeiture laws.  

Thus, expensing the $10,000 machine in Year 1 saves you  $3,960 ($10,000 × 39.6%) in federal income taxes (there may be self-employment tax savings as well).In Year 2, let's say, you find a who is willing to purchase the very-lightly-used machine for $10,000.

As for getting a HELOC, I have had success with Navy Federal Credit Union.

I called my credit union, Navy Federal and asked them some specific questions about their mortgage programs.

This would include traffic engineering, biological consultant, archaeological consultant, and any and all consulting related to Army Corps of Engineers, and Federal and CA State Fish and Wildlife.

Pending litigation could have been decided with final judgment entered; perhaps litigation initiated involving the property, lis pendens recorded; federal tax lien could have been recorded... lots of things can happen before settlement.

US Bank, Navy Federal, wells Fargo ...

The last time I looked at the issue, the 30% federal solar tax credit was only available for personal residences (not investments/rentals).

This classification seems to be in a bit of a gray area as I am having trouble finding consistent guidance as well as an idea of what is typically enforced both on a federal and local level.