I realize that there are variables from market to market and property to property that could make VRBO more effective for a given property, but my understanding is that in general Airbnb bookings get out to such a dominant start in regard to percentage of the bookings, that VRBO and other lesser OTAs have trouble catching up.

I checked the Better Business Bureau for complaints, I checked the NJ State Attorney General consumer division to ensure he was licensed, I checked every reference he gave by visiting sites and speaking with the homeowners. 

Bankers are generally not aware of hard money loan options, and even if they are, they don't generally refer them when they believe they can approve a loan to you from their bank.

I am hoping to learn more about how investors analyze their deals and make decisions, as well as looking to better understand general real estate investing.

Maybe I'm wrong but that is my perception of the Burr and the public in general. 

My team lead is a mentor of mine so to speak but in general, the people i have met through REI meet ups have considerably changed my trajectory and are real world, local examples that have helped me along the way and for free.

@Alan Mills You mention contractors not keeping a time line , not General Contractor . 

HELOCs are generally provided to properties that are held in the owner's personal name.Are your family members not interested in refinancing the property?

You can find something in Durham and parts of Raleigh, specifically zips 27610, 27603, and parts of 27604 that would meet your criteria, however generally speaking most of the inventory that would fit what you are looking for in Raleigh or Durham would likely be in neighborhoods that I personally wouldn't want to invest in, C- to D type neighborhoods.

While I was scared, I still proceeded since I had just learned the general process from my course.