According to the mail clerk at the final Post Office, they received the mail, scanned it and dropped it in the correct mail box that only the owner has access.

Anyone have any better options to access the equity in my home?

This could provide funds for an EMD without needing a personal loan.Bridge loans - While not specifically for EMD, bridge loans are a short-term financing option that can help fund a purchase before you have access to longer-term financing or funds from selling another property4.

While I agree that the tenant who shot a hole in your floor should be responsible for the damages, if I was the tenant below, I would want to leave, not attend a party with the person who literally could have killed me due to their incredible gross negligence.Pending legal restrictions, this would be the end of my wanting the business of the upstairs tenant.

There are some restrictions for trying to use VA benefits on a second property based off the entitlement. 

It sounds like he believes CAP rates have a significant chance of going higher still given most likely conditions.Hospitality can be highly risky as some asset types can be heavily affected by a recession and corporate travel restrictions. 

If they give you problems then be sure to let them know you have access to thousands of other investors through BP and that you are more than happy to let them all know about your experience with their product.

I would get at least 3 estimates and I don't know your market, but I would think one of the plumbing companies would have access to give you financing.  

You can find properties like that in www.investorlift.comI would start with a market that is accessible (Miami Metro, Naples, LeHigh, Delray, Boynton, Palm Beach etc, because problems WILL arise, and since you are just beginning you want to be involved to learn and build a team that helps you meet with them face to face.  

- While you have rights to the property during the redemption period, if they are able to redeem the property during this time, you will immediately lose rights and access to the property meaning you can’t really kick them out without going through the formal eviction process (at least in my state of WA) as the sheriff won’t kick them out without one