I know for our portal in Buildium owners can log in and run different reports like income statements, profit and loss, general ledger, etc.

Most aren't financing, their flipping , so no inspections are generally needed.

You reference taking out a HELOC and those are generally provided when the property is in your personal name, which I don't recommend for investment properties.Overall, it sounds as if you're tired of dealing with "long distance" ownership.

What kind of seasoning is generally required as it relates to the rents/revenue as it relates to servicing the note, etc...I currently own one PadSplit (acquired via Subject-to) that has been up just over a month.

Even I can do it, and I am generally the most unhandy person on the planet!  

Like creating a stock portfolio, you could invest in some high appreciation markets and have some cash flow ones to offset the income.If you are thinking long term, appreciation is the way to go and generally at the higher price points.

I know that the general guidance is that emergency funds aren't to be invested, but given our financial security and the fact that we already have a personal e-fund in a safe, non-volatile location, would it still be crazy/unwise to invest this 15k in an S&P500 index fund in a brokerage? 

Sri,Are you a General Contractor/Builder or are you simply looking for financing to build a 2-4 unit?

Agreed mate,I'm all about taking personal responsibility and I have been swindled many times in a similar fashion like many feel on this thread.It seems like these investors including myself in other instances get negligent and don't read between the lines.Especially after trust and a relationship have been established, we become gullible and don't second guess or question.Maybe it's greed for some but in my instance it wasn't.Just innocent and trusting stupidity (No, I'm never a victim as that is ******** mentality in my book).I had some spare $$$ and wanted to diversify in other assets through folks I considered friends and trustworthy business partners.Didn't even think twice to look things over.Looking back, it all makes sense now but it's easy being a general after the battle heheI only blame myself here...I mentioned in the thread further above that I lost to the tune of hundreds of thousands of dollars.Again, it is what it is and it's a lesson.Only myself to blame and have always taken the high road in such instances.As much as I'd like to fight for justice and go down the legal path, it just isn't worth the time and emotion.Upwards and onwards.Become better and make more than you have lost.Each to their own and that's just my personal "modus operandi"

Kishora -- Anytime we've had holdups in permits I email (generally, they're very responsive), and I tend to take the "I'm trying to get insight into the objection item, and how can we help" tone, and usually, I find a willing partner on the other end of the phone.  10-12 weeks is a while, usually, its running 4-6 weeks for the last few builds we've done.