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According to the agreement, she is also supposed to pay a penalty of $200 ($50 fine + $150 for $10 per day).

If you were to do a cash out refinance after the property is completed and take out that equity, you could pay off the heloc and lock in a lower long term rate on the home.

This gives you the dry powder you need if a good deal comes along or unexpected expenses and you keep the existing low mortgage rates and do not increase your payment until you use the HELOC.Consider how you could increase the cash flow on the existing properties and if you have the means to pay off one of the houses to increase the monthly cash flow that way.

Give them the bill for the repairs BEFORE it is repaired and see if they pay it.

It's turned out to be quite a good deal for us both, as they are paying all utilities, some maintenance, and have even contributed to some cap ex in exchange for a multi-year lease. 

Or the garage was worth half of what I was paying, so I’ll pay 1/2 rent until I get it back.

I will not pay until September 1, so I have time to renovate and upgrade different aspects of the property.

Don't pay anything upfront except appraisal fee.

I have the money to pay it off.