I know the place needs rewired, new plumbing, it has a cracked foundation etc. 

There are some HOA's out there that will only allow a certain percentage of units to be rented out and may have some other restrictions in the CC&R's.As for your question, the "best" way of doing something in real estate is typically subjective, but having a HELOC payment, in addition to the mortgage, taxes, insurance, and HOA dues, just increases the chances of having a less profitable property or one that may not cash flow at all.

Personally I choose and LLC for all my properties.Of course LLC or not you need good insurance.

@Aram Velazquez Our primary house has only me on mortgage yet when getting investment property on my wife’s name, lender considered her responsible for 100% of Insurance and property tax (because title is in our joint name).

Is the home owners insurance covering the cost?  

Personally, if no windows, electrical, plumbing or structural work is being done I would just get it done.....typically no permits are required for that but theusually are supposed to have “some kind” of license...here in PB county it’s not just the regulated contractors (gc’s, plumbing, electrical, ac, etc) but guys just doing painting, Sheetrock, etc. .....not that it happens all the time of course.

*HOAs usually cover lawn care, sprinklers, lawn watering, siding and exterior care, insurance, and more                *This covers most of the exterior line items that you would otherwise have to address in a single family home.

You should also consider language as to what happens with taxes, insurance, escrow funds, etc...

The house is a foreclosure and is on the market for 100,000, taxes are 2,240/year…estimating that insurance will be around 1000/ year.

Check on the foundation, roof, plumbing, and electrical.