Evicting them, even after purchase, could be a lengthy and costly legal process.

A strong team can streamline processes and reduce headaches.Expand Knowledge: Podcasts and forums like BiggerPockets are great tools.

I'd say start the process of securing your HELOC if you havn't done so and spend time analyzing deals and determining what type of investor you are looking to be. 

Congratulations on starting the process of becoming an investor!

And I provide solid returns for my private lenders in the process.

The Role of Mortgage Brokers in Real Estate FinancingMortgage brokers act as intermediaries between you and lenders, streamlining the loan process while finding the best deals for your unique situation.

I say take a gamble for anyone in which its even possibly feasible for and trust they're process. 

A variety of things could have caused this.That said, what you've described above is not so untypical in terms of the steps of the process for a fix and flip loan.  

If so you could pull equity out to begin the BRRRR process.

Thanks again for your input, and I'll probably reach out as I get further along in the process.