Be consistent with your search for the next deal and stick to your criteria but also be flexible in your ability to adapt your search if something needs to be changed.I started my search for my second house hack in March and didn't close until late October. 2 months is a drop in the bucket. 

I switched from CIBC to a local credit union and found much greater flexibility (not as difficult transitioning from T4/W2 to self-employment income etc).

The day they changed to multifamily they dropped price to 330k I came out and asked if they were flexible on the price and they told me to send an offer.

Assuming you can get a low enough HELOC rate on it, I would personally explore using the HELOC as a revolving line of credit as it has more flexibility than a refinance would. 

Be willing to be flexible.

Im flexible with both options, but just curious.

Two,  flexibility.  

I second Matt, despite having nearly 7 years of post secondary education, a real estate license has provided me the most direct and flexible path to earning income. 

Thankfully I have a job that is flexible and allows me to do so.

It is less money than I was making as an electrician but it is much more flexible.