This would allow us to come to the table with less funds out of pocket on the front end when starting construction.Is the best way to complete the transfer of ownership through a traditional sale registered with the county? 

Traditional financing How did you add value to the deal?

It’s inexpensive to provide but can make a big impact.Comfortable Bedding: Investing in high-quality mattresses, pillows, and linens improves the guest experience and leads to better reviews, which can boost occupancy rates.Smart TV or Streaming Services: Offering Netflix, Hulu, or similar services is a low-cost way to enhance guest entertainment and stay competitive.Fully Stocked Kitchen: A well-equipped kitchen with basic appliances and utensils appeals to families and long-term guests, saving them money on dining out.Dedicated Workspace: If your property caters to remote workers, adding a small desk and ergonomic chair can set your listing apart.Outdoor Spaces: If your property allows, an outdoor seating area, fire pit, or hot tub can significantly increase your nightly rate and attract more bookings.Energy-Efficient Features: Guests appreciate eco-friendly options like LED lighting, smart thermostats, or solar panels, especially in eco-conscious markets.Keyless Entry: A smart lock is a relatively small investment but offers convenience and security, which many guests value.If you’re deciding on amenities to add, it’s always a good idea to research your local market.

I use this and share with my team (i.e) drone photographers, VAs, reatlors, partners, etc.Zoho Forms, I use this to collect info from leads, buyers, etc.Zoho Desk, this is a ticketing where all inquires go to and since it integrates with Zoho Forms, it creates a ticket within Zoho Desk + New Lead within Zoho.Zoho Cliq, similar to slack, I communicate with my team with this software.

It’s important to ensure you’re comfortable with these risks and consult a financial advisor.If you choose to use a HELOC, consider traditional financing or private loans as alternatives if you prefer not to risk your home.As for your first rental, markets in the Midwest and Southeast offer great opportunities with turnkey properties that are tenant-ready and appreciating.

Something which only time can do traditionally.

Financing options do exist: hard money loans, renovation loans, and some traditional mortgages can be used on distressed properties if criteria are met.

Hard money loans typically have higher interest rates and shorter repayment terms than traditional mortgages.

If you are open to non-traditional methods of financing, you could use a debt service loan to bypass that requirement.

It merely means you will likely have a difficult time refinancing the property to a traditional lending source.