I have $80k liquid in CDs and savings accounts in the bank and a credit score between 760 - 780.

The closing attorney or title co will draw up the closing statement so each party will know exactly what their costs, credits or debits will be in closing the transaction.  

Check with credit union.

They would fix my $100 for the next 18 months as a grace period so I have time to put the tax credit money "back in" the full cost of the panels.

I want to scale, but not sure how to develop my strategy.I have a $200k HELOC and excellent credit worthiness and high income from my day job.

Hard Money Loans: These are short-term loans from private lenders based on the property's value rather than your credit score.

The industry standard currently is around 70%, but there are some that will go up to 75% or 80%, but you've got to have pristine credit.

Mint did a decent job for me previously, and Credit Karma is less adequate. 

I would forget about growing the portfolio and generational wealth until your husband finds a job and you reduce your credit card debt.Credit card debt has interest rates above 20%, there is a strong case that your rentals are not generating a 20% return.

Agree a conversation is in the cards but if anything it would be more than fair to agree to keep the rent flat vs any type of reduction (at least that's my logic).