I have my doubts about how much hosts are actually making.

My first deal looks like it will fall through because the bank doesn't like my work history. (4 months as a union electrician, which the bank considers contract work).

Quote from @Eduardo Perez-Borroto: Since the HELOC was not used on improving the home you cannot deduct the interest, nor use that to offset your capital gain.Would adding a battery bank system to my solar panels count as home improvement? 

I mean myself and any bank would need more details, but if you utilize that large sum as a downpayment and have a small mortgage, wouldn't you easily qualify for the debt to income?

Bank Credit Line How did you add value to the deal?

Ive been hosting a monthly meetup the past 3 years, and it's been a great resource for myself and other investors. 

;(- if as-is value is less then the balance on the mortgage + arears OOOPS you need to have the owner work with the bank, you as the investor buyer AND a short sales expert often an agent work the tedious and usually failing short sale process. 

Now my investor network as expanded and the best split I have experienced was 65/35 in my favor but I invested 40% of the cash and created over a million in imputed equity before any investor dollar was raised allowing me to originate a bank loan at 87% LTC.

I'm not an loan officer, but I know some banks locally like ORNL Credit Union have offered a 0% down conventional loan product.

if they are pressuring you like this.PLEASE watch the American Greed Episode on Remmington Financial  .not saying these guys wont or don't fund of course.. but when I do my deals with my banks its common that I pay for the phase one and the appraiser directly..