Hoping that someone could provide some guidance on this so I can decide how to proceed?

The tenant then decided to vacate the property and leave a mess in the process.

After seeing my brother's success with flix and flip in the bay area over the last 4 years, I decided to explore the same in New York.

When they demoed it for me it looked so easy to use and understand, the software was the main reason I decided to take the leap. 

And even if I do not get into the renting business I can make some profit if I decide to sell the property at some point.

If you do decide to do mailer(s), then I would advise you to personalize the card and do a handwritten note. 

And even if I do not get into the renting business I can make some profit if I decide to sell the property at some point.

Trying to decide if we should use a home equity loan for the remodel, do we need to put current home under LLC to help with debt to income ratio & would that affect getting the home equity loan?

This could help decide if the income is enough.  

As far as your next property, if you are already considering moving you will get better loan options + interest rates if you decide to live in the next property and rent out your current house.