I tend to favor the HELOC unless I've identified my next property and I know I want all the $ at once. 

Favorable, forward-thinking business climate for employers?

While it works in your favor now, it could burn you later if trying to refinance or sell it and you come to find this first appraisal was way over-valued and your "equity" disappears. 

Having a title company that does special favors for you is priceless.

Hi BP Community,I am eager to get involve in the process of purchasing real estate, however, as a newbie I want to ensure my first deal is a favorable one.

So my goal would be to complete a refinance as soon as possible so my rent to mortgage payment spread is favorable.

Sounds like the laws in Connecticut are not in the landlords favor at all which tends to open the door to professional tenants.

Finally something worked out in my favor!

I agree that given the information I provided on paper, this doesn't seem that great as a traditional buy & hold (which it isn't, house hack was not an option I could select for investment category), but my understanding of the local neighborhood makes a favorable difference.

Make this a signed document with a set offer period and a date they must be out and present as if you are doing them a favor.