I believe there is a call coming up soon to talk about financing options.

I do believe that your HELOC will be a great source of capital to start your first deal but I wouldn't use it as a down payment (Speaking from my own personal experience).

@Chris Seveney, it's confusing becuase you may not want to believe what I've stated assuming the NORMAL process of a closing happend. 

@Garrett Brown   I am going to focus in on this from your original post: I think identifying these markets that have a history of vacation rentals (so STR regulations are not worried about) If you believe a particular municipalities history of vacation rentals protects you against STR regulations you are mistaken.

Many landlords WANT to believe market rent is the HIGHEST rents similar units rent for.

I believe there is a way to do this.

They believe that all but about 1 acre of land can be remediated with a LOMA for flood zone.

Examples of qualified improvement property include improvements made to the interior of nonresidential real property, such as HVAC systems or alarm and security systems.We refrain from making direct recommendations on Section 179 because we believe this decision is best made by the CPA, who completely understands the client’s overall tax situation.The decision to elect Section 179 is deeply tied to broader tax implications, including other deductions, income limitations, and future business planning.Your CPA has a holistic view of your finances and can help you make the right choice.TLDR:* Section 179 is a powerful tool for business owners and real estate investors, allowing immediate expensing of qualifying assets in the year they are placed in service.* Annual limits apply to how much can be expensed, with the 2024 cap set at $1,220,000, and investment limits that start to phase out when more than $3,050,000 of property is placed in service.* Not all property qualifies for Section 179.

I believe part of their motivation is that they would have to cancel reservations to get the remaining work done. 

And in general, do you believe it is worth the 25k+ price tag?