Part two, is how someone or something else pays for everything else. 

I have not done it personally but have some insight, maybe my reply may boost your post to someone with more experience in it. 

If someone is unable to satisfy these preliminary requirements, they have no business paying for the services and good luck getting the service providers online to provide this information to you. 

You're on the right track, just get a quote from someone else.Also - opening my HELOC was free.

There are no simple instructions on how to simply skip trace someone's info.

It's not that you would not have the skills, but most clients want to work with someone who is at least their own age.

Would it be wise to use a HELOC on our current residence to use for a down payment on a new propertyHi David, as someone who works with a lot of OOS investors, I would let you know that most of the clients I work with have never physically visited when buying their first investment property - the most important thing is working with a great investor agent and doing proper due diligence.

I'd never advocate for someone selling an asset unless they absolutely have to or unless selling aligns with their goals.

I'm trying to find someone to write a $1M policy for me.

From digging into real time market data and calcualting cash flow.. to literally driving for dollars, you want someone with an incredible network of pros who can unearth leads (probate attorneys, divorce attorneys, local fix and flip circles) that might connect you with a ready buyer or flud tenant.