@Jerry Padilla all lending institutions are at 25% now.

Do any of you have any recommendations about what banks/institutions i should get a loan from?

We were turned down by 3 other lending institutions.

Let me know if you have worked with any lending institution out there that is friendly to business owners and can think outside the box, that gave you a HELOC.

In order to be classified as a real estate professional a few things are needed, 1) You spend more than 750 hours per year as a "material" participant in a real estate business, which could include management, brokerage, construction, leasing, rental and operation2) You spend more time in real estate businesses than all other businesses(including employment), that you're involved in, combined.

Brayden, there are about three banking institutions who are still doing mortgage financing to Foreign Nationals who reside in and outside of the US. 

After participating in this discussion, I realized the guy I was interested in working with wasn't gonna be right for me (couldn't seem to write an estimate, gave me an outrageous & insulting price, etc) so I've been on the phone every day this week really beating the bushes.

e.g. real estate professional (Sec 469) with trade or business (Sec 162) with material participation (Sec 469)You do not have to materially participate in an activity for that activity to be a trade or business. 

Do i need to approach a bank or lending institution here in NC or does it have to be back in NJ. 

@TJ QuinataRegarding taking a 401k loan: You would have to confirm that your 401k plan allows for a 401k participant loan (and that you have not had an outstanding loan in the last 12 months).If yes, you can borrow up to 50% of the balance not to exceed $50,000.The repayment terms are equal monthly/quarterly payments (as you prefer) of principal and interest (e.g. prime + 1%) spread over a 5 year term (or longer if you will use the loan to purchase your primary residence).