Not worth time & effort to go to court, your first meeting with an attorney will cost you as much as the rent.

Lease Terms: Determine a monthly rent payment that covers the HELOC repayment (interest and principal) while providing some positive cash flow for you.                    

What is the end product of your effort and where is it located, how long will it take to sell?

- Are there other lenders you’d recommend for refinancing rental properties that might have a smoother process or better terms?

I've used those before for shot-term funding for renovations/rehabs in projects.

Time allows for adjustments, scaling, and reinvestment in ways that short-term projects simply can’t achieve. 

Several of my investor clients have dealt with similar situations in North Carolina, and here’s my take based on those experiences.First, you’re right about the legal framework: NC landlords must make reasonable efforts to re-rent the property, but tenants remain liable for the rent until a new tenant is found.

Rent my house in Philadelphia out, and move to puerto rico as a renter with the goal to buy for myself more so than to rent for short term.

Over time, I’d like to expand into short-term rentals, buy-and-hold properties, and flips.I’d love to connect and learn from this amazing community.

Long-term fundamentals?