That’s if you are on top of everything don’t have to fight insurance for a full payout, have an architect you immediately start working with drafting plans and pulling permits, secure a construction loan, and hire a contractor who prioritizes your construction.

BRRRR with a bang: If you can pull this off, the value-add potential is huge.

You cannot change the area or the demographics of the area, so you have to pull the levers that community "needs" / "wants". 

I would add to this account every month, allowing me to pull from it whenever there was a large repair or capex event. 

There are many unqualified LOs, that are almost about to quit because their pipelines are so dry, that they will tell you anything to pull credit, order an appraisal, and switch terms on you at the very last minute. 

I specifically want to call out one of their Senior Accounts Associate, Charlotte Cunningham, who helped me through the process on my first purchase as I needed to buy a sizable amount of furniture quickly and she was able to help me make moves quickly...and didn't make me feel bad whatsoever when I pulled back a few items at the last minute I was able to find them cheaper elsewhere.

This list was pulled directly from Raleigh’s website here:Raleigh Permits for ADUs and Guidelines Click Here to ViewTo find your specific lot’s zoning, use IMAPS: https://maps.raleighnc.gov/imaps/2.

I think a HELOC requires a certain LTV before you can pull any equity and 1 year most likely won't be long enough for any real equity to build.I would say.

If I find a deal on an area I would consider living when I move back I would like to be able to pull the trigger and possibly refinance into an owner-occupier loan once I move back to the US.  

What I am looking to do is refinance, or pull out equity so I can get back on track with my lender and continue searching for a buyer.