However, I don't think that the question was asked because it was needed to complete the deal, rather, if the buyer could "improve" his position.

Then be able to negotiate with the buyer showing him/her why the economy is about to improve and now is the best time to move on this deal.Of course, the economy is just one of the negotiating tools to be used and I mention it only because it is what is in the forefront of the media these days.

I have two paid in full properties that are needing financing for improvements.

BTW - Please consider uploading a personal image so you stand out a little better than everyone else using the default profile avatar.

This is what I would recommend if I was starting my REI journey from the beginning: Read Brandon Turner's book on Rental Property Investing https://www.amazon.com/Book-Rental-Property-Investing-Passive-ebook/dp/B018UTI2DOListening to the BP Real Estate podcast https://www.biggerpockets.com/podcastListening to the BP money podcast https://www.biggerpockets.com/moneyshowAttend your local REIA meetings to network (search for your area https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/521-events-and-happenings)Start analyzing deals to get practiceEngage more on the BP forumsPost a profile pic :)All the best!

And I am an electrician with many other home improvement skills i can create alot of equity with my own two hands, i figured after doing that to the single family home i could use a credit line on the house.

See my profile for contact info.

Option #1 will most likely meet that criteria, you can price for any major repairs/cap x improvements and negotiate those during the acquisition, this will help you hedge against major items breaking down once you acquired.   

Unless the condo is an improved living situation, you'll have some trouble getting owner occupied financing

As soon as we walked through the house it was pretty easy to figure out how the kitchen could be improved.