I've been buried with tax preparation and a couple projects, so BP moved from the back burner to completely off the stove!

If you want to nestle into North Scottsdale, you can get the big house and a decent lot, but it will not be a huge lot. 

Thanks for coming out and joining us - we have some new events and workshops and training that we will be adding shortly - look for a couple of virtual workshops a month and a get started training program to be implemented before the end of the year. 

Fannie Mae will allow you to transfer the deed to an LLC if you decide to try to go the conventional route, but the loan would still be in your names and you'll need to pay a title company a second time post-closing to do this  for you. 3) I can't speak for the area so no comment there4) If you're self managing, make sure you find vendors you can trust in the area since you won't be able to easily verify if an HVAC guy, plumber, etc. is trying to rip you off and tell you to buy something you don't actually need. 5) Make sure you have clear alignment of goals and a clear operating agreement that spells out what to do if those goals start to not align in the future since you'll be jointly obligated to these properties. 

Do you have an idea of the type of property you want to buy and a price range?

Climate refuge is a genuine priority for many and a reasonably distanced retreat or refuge has perhaps never been more valuable?

The six month cd isn’t the point my understanding is that I can’t just take out the HELOC, I need to actually use the money for my plan to work and a short term CD seemed safe and reasonable 

I'm imagining something more like add a wall, turn a bedroom into a kitchen-living on one side and a formal dining room into a bedroom on the other side, maybe add a half bath in each unit.

The difference between a 12% return and a 16% return compounded over 20 years will make you sick to your stomach. 

I've done and been a part of many Chicago zoning changes...they take a very long time and a lot of upfront money...unless you are planning to add multiple units and do a full renovation, the ROI is probably not there.