If you don't know how to do this properly it can be detrimental. 

Do my 3 associates need to create a LLC to be able to do these renovations or can any individual do them, as long as proper permits are pulled? 

While there could be avenues to acquire real estate creatively with less cash operating  real estate properly is capital intensive. 

I think the real estate professional strategy works if it is your primary source of income.   

Simple answer - yes you can alter your funding source after putting it under agreement if you chose to use a hard money lender instead - i would just communicate with seller that hey I was going to use cash (assuming you have it from your heloc) and instead will finance some of it but let them know its not contingent on financing.

Property owners are a prime source for collecting revenue.

Below is a list of data that I've used in my market research and real estate underwriting, along with some other sources that people might find helpful.

@Tannia CastroRecommend exploring as many sources as possible to get referrals AND cross-reference them to get as much accurate information as possible.Check out NARPM.com, BP’s Property Manager Finder (BiggerPockets: The Real Estate Investing Social Network), etc.Also, encourage you to learn from the mistakes of others - by reading posts here on BiggerPockets about owners not having their expectations met by their current Property Management Company.

@Jared FisherRecommend exploring as many sources as possible to get referrals AND cross-reference them to get as much accurate information as possible.Check out NARPM.com, BP’s Property Manager Finder (BiggerPockets: The Real Estate Investing Social Network), etc.Also, encourage you to learn from the mistakes of others - by reading posts here on BiggerPockets about owners not having their expectations met by their current Property Management Company.

As someone who manages over 1,200 properties, I can tell you that proper screening is where professional property managers (PMs) really shine.Here’s why working with a professional PM is worth it:Screening Expertise:Fraud in tenant applications is more common than many realize.