I thought I had read or maybe heard on a podcast that there are certain loan programs for this exact situation but this is a first for me.

In some markets, Realtors are not willing to drive tire kickers around (which some people who would get involved in this program would be) if they are not sure they are going to buy something.

Again, it requires an actual work, not just a quick online chat.

Sure it changes my elite 8 portfolio but I will just flip another one of my rentals into the program.

Alternatively, FHA has a renovation loan program. 

I would go talk to local credit unions and see what programs they are offering.  

The thing that brought us together was going through a year-long training program.

I’m newer in the REI world getting my feet wet but if you want to grab a coffee and chat sometime let me know!

Hold on to the house and use as much of the rental income to pay down CC's as fast as possible.I would look into the Detroit Home Mortgage Program: http://www.detroithomemortgage.org/#faq they will work with you to refinance, and it they're doing it for any area in the neighborhood.Chemical Bank is a small bank that is doing a great job helping folks get mortgages and private loans for homes in Detroit, as well.

I purchased this new construction home about 8 years ago it under a “go zone” program which provided significantly can’t tax benefits for building new homes and renting them in areas effected by hurricane Katrina.