It is not your responsibility to house this person's items indefinitely in your rental. 

With respect to paying $44k off on your HELOC, I personally think that is totally fine and a great start. 

I personally recommend checking Columbus OH - lots of job growth, population growth, and major companies moving and developing here.

I think the 10-14% rate is where it will be for the next five or so years personally so plenty of opportunity

As a neighbor, personally I don't care if someone smoke a little weed every now and then, but if they are smoking non stop 25 times a day, you might lose a good tenant over that. 

I was wondering if there are any recommend in-person meetups in the LA area.

Both offered up to $40k, 12-14% rate which is higher but not bad for an unsecured personal loan. 

There is a big difference in how those are handled  HAHA I just saw a post and commented where the person wanted to ask if they should overpay for a home because they can get is seller financing.

When you say "we," are you speaking about your business or your personal tax returns, or does your business flow into your personal returns because you file as a sole proprietor?  

Average person can't visualize how to fix it, but you can (create an extra bedroom for example)3.