The student loans are at a blended interest rate, with some debt as high as 9%, and some lower.

And here we are.. perfect blend of yield and safety.   

pre-owned corian which has a seam at the sink we were never able to blend-experiment but now that floor and decor has granite slabs so cheap I won't buy used corian (color was not the best off white I discovered after purchase too :-( )  Bath 30" vanity got pulled out to add a pony wall?

I'm trying to find out if you can frame in between the piers with treated lumber, covered with treated plywood, add lathing, and then parge the addition and the rest of the house to blend in.

If asphalt, it can be cut out, remelted blended with additional asphalt and repoured.As to whether it is worth it.

If the HELOC money combined with bank financing provides a blended rate of 8.5% and you are getting a 12% CoC return after cash flow, tax benefits, mortgage paydown and appreciation, I think it makes sense however I have a high risk tolerance.

I would look at the surroundings and blend in with the area. 

Do most people do a blend of both?

A) fire place, this should be a focal point but it blends with the paint and flooring.

Possibly a househack live and flip aka ("Blended Househack" by Ben Leybovich in his book "House Hacking") could be a possibility but otherwise I would just do a rental property.