In my state, they offer a free energy assessment (its called massave) and they give free energy efficient light bulbs, surge protectors, showerheads etc.

This isn't something like "Can I learn to install a light switch" - it is truly changing the core of who you are and how you deal with tenants.  

I am not from the Hilton Head Island, SC area but hopefully I can shine some light here.

Added a brand new basement, added a 600sq ft master bathroom using attic space, added a eat in dinning room where the old stairs went to the attic approx 78sq ft.

The repairs are bid at 15k (paint inside and out, laminate kitchen floors, new carpet throughout, replace kitchen cabinets, reglaze bathroom tiles and tub, roof repairs, new light fixtures and electrical work, and some other odds and ends.)

Anyone have longterm use of any of these that are working better than other and if so, which brands are holding up the best?

For me, that means no carpet, semi gloss white, cream or light gray wall paint.A renter needed...it will take 2 years of rental income on your tax return for many lenders to consider it as income.HELOC is variable while 2nd mortgage is more often fixed.

I pay for community lighting - basically 2 light poles.  

Do you mind shedding some light on what the benefit would be to have them list your LLC as a certificate holder only?

A rugged renovation (move walls, replace wiring, holes in roof) will likely require hard money or a renovation mortgage, while a light renovation (paint, replace flooring) won't require more than a regular investor mortgage.