Couldn't speak to Lending Tree's options, but i tend to refer HELOCs and small-balance HELOANs to banks / credit unions just to have some flexibility.

You may need some of the capital you have as a down payment for the loan becuase new construction loans tend to have a low total LTV.

If your usual CPA is not familiar with CA taxes, then you may want to seek an attorney who is familiar with CA rules - whether he/she is located in CA or elsewhere.CA tends to use realtors rather than attorneys to actually sell the real property, alongside an escrow officer. 

It's a GREAT community to be involved with and some serious powerhouse women in the group. https://stpetegirlboss.com/In Tampa: Multifamily & more, they meet up in Ybor, Tampa the last Tuesday of the month.

Tend to be hard on myself and a very motivated individual so my overall plan is to keep reinvesting to continue building until my passive income is equal to or greater than my current gross.

We also come across deals in Waukesha and Ozaukee but those tend to be more rehab opportunities. 

My family is from Italy, and the market there is very slow since people don't tend to move as often as here in the States.

Most commonly, we tend to see investors set up a holding company that owns the LLCs holding the rental properties. 

But on the other edge of that sword, the consumer is terrified of there own job security, and tend to tighten their own purse straps.

I'd recommend adding a mandatory mid-stay professional clean into your lease.In my experience, most people booking long term in my market, tend not to cancel because they're looking forward to their vacation.