Their plan is to raise rents (on the poor remaining souls, improve infrastructure and exert some sweat equity. 

It’s more like having a continuous, flexible funding option rather than a one-time transaction.It doesn’t require much effort compared to getting a loan traditionally:When you "get a loan," you typically have to go through banks or rely on friends and family.

Before you can tell, you need the answer to a lot of different questions and then know how to apply them:What is the remaining term of the assumable financing?

But it won't affect any remaining profit you leave in the 1031.Here's a couple thoughts that you'll need to think about to make a good decision.1.

It’s generally better to pay taxes, especially if it’s preferential LTCG treatment and make a sound investment with cash that remains than defer and make poor investment decisions. 

One thing that really helps is lining up flexible, short-term financing—like hard money loans or private lenders—who get your goals and can close quickly.

Is it better to pay cash or leverage my liquidity to maximize ROI while retaining flexibility?

My inclination is to suggest paying back the PML 70% of the land proceeds (presumably $168K) at that closing and then hold the remaining loan until I sell the house. 

New to real estate but possess a deep understanding of the responsibilities to continue to gain knowledge and remain loyal with my clients and professionally with my colleagues.  

Use your HELOC to purchase the duplex outright for $118K.Your brother’s $50K down payment can immediately go toward reducing your HELOC balance, leaving a remaining balance of $68K.Create a formal lease-to-own agreement with your brother.