Alternatively, if something were to arise in our life (emergency or otherwise) while this money was tied up in an investment, we're left with few good options. 2) Time is not something I have much of.

Tesla is building all the semi-trucks here. 

Does anyone have any quickbooks alternatives that work for class tracking and or can recommend an accountant (ideally in the San Diego area) that would be able to get us going in the right direction?  

Hi @Dave Meyer, im a huge fan of you guys. im i truck driver and listen to bigger pockets during my 14 hour shift. real estate changed my life.  

I am curious if anyone has had any experience with an alternative service called https://zoomcasa.com.

Virtually all my offers in last 2 years have been with alternative financing. 

Your HELOC is a fine alternative to come up with emergency funds if need be.

I think selling their house on terms is better than the alternative and my sellers in some cases have told me I saved their life.

This is not going to be the most "ideal" scenario that you would prefer, but the alternative would be to go through the lengthy process in housing court which may not guarantee any solution. 

There are other loan products out there with a varying degree of rates that could be alternatives, but I'm not an expert in mortgage products so I'd recommend speaking with a lender first.