Another step is to ask your current lender if an expedited post-disaster inspection can be arranged to speed things up.

so I'm wondering if around $50k is reasonable to get a smaller single family home up to speed where it looks something like what you'd see on HGTV.   

In our experience, things move in ebbs and flows and the speed of rental depends on your asking rents relative to competition.For example, there was a period of several months at one of our properties when a 3 or 4 BR unit came on the market it rented almost instantly. 

So talking with your Realtor on scenarios that truly are likely may help you speed up your search and offer process, and help you find a great spot.

I've called the attorney and followed up via email but they've mentioned that they are at the discretion of the court and can't do anything to speed things up.

There were comments by 2-3 of the 7 planning board folks commenting on the speed of pushing this through and not understanding the relative priority or urgency of this specific topic. 

If not then probably better to just continue paying for it yourself, unless you want to speed up the process and you are constrained by cash.Your decision to refinance is going to be contingent on what your long term plans are.

When rent is too low it speeds up the leasing.   

Looking to upgrade my game and speed is of the essence.

Being specific about geography, price points, willingness to take as is properties, speed of decision making and closing, whether you are a cash buyer or not, property specs....that will go a long way in your brand as a good match for an agent.