A fairly reliable wholesaler who buys across the country, and spends $100,000 a month on advertising, also trains people to be wholesalers.

Maybe advertise in NYC where people look for vacation homes in FL.

I met the bank appraiser during his visit, and he shook his head at my purchase price in amazement.A year later, a duplex, now valued at $240K was advertised in the papers for $180K, also by an agent.

Look at properties up for rent in the neighborhood that are advertising for the rent you are looking to achieve.

Passive landlord is a long game enter anytime stay for decades and most will do just fine.Active engagement same thing enter anytime and your reward is how hard you work identifying the hot ticket at the time  access to capital etc etc..

Traditional banks don't have access to the different types of loans.

But my point is that I can absolutely access the equity if I were to sell.

Having access to funds is also good back up (eg line of credit). 

Besides traditional banks to access the equity via HELOC or refinance, what other programs are there via private lenders that will allow me to access that equity?

I'm a Realtor w/MLS access.