Would a home equity loan be a viable option in this situation, especially in regards to eliminating some of the red tape I'm running into with a refinancing an scorp-owned property?

The other option would have been to get it done at the US consulate, and I suspect that would have been a bumpier road.

They likely will be a bid on the 2 year balloon options, too, in 2025. 

Typically, the investors I work with purchase properties in their personal names and then quit-claim the title into their LLC after the deed has been recorded.Markets like OKC, Memphis, and Little Rock offer some excellent, affordable growth opportunities, and I’d be happy to chat with you to explore these options further.

I am currently seeking a lending partner that offers 100% or near 100% financing options for new construction properties in the Philadelphia region.

Gas or electric would be a much better option, safety wise, from a house fire standpoint, CO danger, or danger to children or pets from the open flames. 

On public websites, I see some options to acquire a duplex in central Los Angeles under $550K which would require at least another $50K of work if I do not outsource most of the labor.

House hacking is probably your best option.

With a family and kids the best house hack is a house and cottage or duplex option.

Virtually staging it could be a good inexpensive option.