I had a work from home job with flexible hours at the time so I was able to drive over to the property at the drop of the hat when needed.

The more flexible you can be on the life style side, the better the return on the financial side.Hawaii prices can be crazy, but with the right moves it is absolutely possible to make it here.  

This was my plan for this particular home but I wasn't sure if there was some type of documentation I could sign saying I plan to move in when the lease expires or if I should keep shopping for a lender that will be more flexible.

So a seller willing to give you a flexible closing date on your purchase until you sell you can get your old property sold is a very good thing for you. 

Ideally, a commute of no longer than 1 hour is what I am shooting for, however I am certainly flexible with that.  

.+1 for starting a relationship with a good local bank -- they might have more flexible options for you down the road. 

Since joining, I've now had an opportunity to go back over posts and gain some truly valuable information, and thanks to all who posted...for me, seems SOLO is my best and most flexible option (65, LLC with some active work income, semi-retired and trimming down further with time). 

But not having to pay interest on what you are not using and having flexibility generally make a HELOC worth it.

Those LOC's are more flexible than mortgages, but the terms are not usually as favorable (usually higher interest and lower LTV's.)

It seems that having savings in a brokerage accounts is the most flexible.