I keep hearing about people saying they are opening unsecured lines of credit.

I have just under an 800 credit score.

(please) I have a two story duplex that has old windows located in Tampa, one of the windows has a small crack and with 185mph winds, I'd rather prepare for the worst. 

Even if you were buying another primary (which you aren't - you are converting your primary to a rental, then buying a new primary) the bank doesn't care as long as your DTI ratio and credit score can handle it. 

Maybe your wife can get an FHA in her name but then they will only consider her income, not yours.You can use credit cards, hard money, family, friends.

I want to get several quotes from banks/lending institutions, but she wants to interview no less than 15 banks and 5 credit unions and go back and forth with each one and pit them against each other in a "rate/closing cost war" to get the absolute best price. 

Don't do anything that might show up on your credit, even if it is only inquiries.

If there's a way to collect the fee and run Credit check / Background check, that would be a great tool for an investor who is not full time yet (such as myself).

There's no way you should put it in an index fund unless you're prepared to cover any losses.

Assume the best prepare for the worst.