In other words, if the contractor finishes the work 1 week earlier than scheduled (agreed to by both parties of course), and I give him back via the early finish bonus my exact daily cost, I can move on to the next investment that much faster so in the end, it is a net gain to me AND a net gain to the contractor.

Having rules and boundaries is the only way to keep a business from failing. 

They meet every Monday evening via zoom and provide fantastic education and networking. 

I have recently purchased an REO property via xome.com with the previous owners in place.

> roof replacement for approx. 1400 sq ft home> sink replacement> Water Heater and AC are old > Appliances e.g. cooking rangeWe may be able to cover some of these via extended home warranty but most of these will require replacement.Please suggest.

Why wouldn't you do a cashout refi first to lock in a low long-term rate and THEN tap the rest of your equity via HELOC?

Do they have a purchase contract you can get via email As well as an Atty to draw up a mortgage Very straight forward and easy 

My brother and I are also currently looking to invest with duplexes, tri and mid size MF (20-40 doors) via 1031 Exchange.

Going along those lines, I hope you always mailed everything to the HOA via confirmation signature required or emails were saved in your sent file and everyone cc'd. 

At times I wish I cashed out the equity via refinance.