Tie it up in contract if you can, but know that if it closes at all, it'll be months and month and months and months from now.

By buying Stocks they have limited themselves and tied up their investment money in a poorly performing asset.

I have somewhat of an emotional tie to this place because is my first property and also it is in the neighborhood I grew up in.

Needless to say we got onto the wrong path for a few different reasons, but now we are getting back on track.I cannot get another mortgage - I do not have a two or even one year job history at this point and I do not have the income or down payment.He cannot currently get another mortgage because he is tied up in this one.

as low as 5% down on 2-4 unit, lower mortgage insurance premium and no upfront insurance payment at closing, and it's a conventional loan so stronger offer and less red tape than the FHA. 

I just want to figure out a way to tie in the repairs into the mortgage if possible.

It would be nice to tie into a local REIA, if there is one in my area. 

Tie it up with cash, then do delayed financing

The difference is the HELOC is tied to a property. 

Cash is the king, don't tie it to a rental yet.