I encounter deals all the time - of different property types.

They cannot provide tax advice, but will likely be much more helpful than what you encountered with Millennium.

Never encountered this before.

I buy less than 200 gallons of paint a year but get 40-60% off sticker price.

His financial advisor reached out directly to explain that he can co-sign the lease and attest that the trust has sufficient funding to pay the rent.This is the first time I've encountered this particular nuance in an application and, while balance of probability suggests this is most likely legitimate, I'm still a little leery.

But you may have different encounters. 

I clearly understand having as little as possible of my personal money involved/at risk is an advantage, but what are the other pitfalls or upside that i may encounter with heloc purchase rather than bank loan?

They just stick to the floor like stickers.

In d areas and after flying in to Indiana and speaking with every local I encountered....they gave me enough info to pay a little more for a slightly smaller return.

Second, when you do encounter someone who's accepting, you need to have the right mindset - you are here not to sell anything, but to do business.