I have construction experience and have remodeled my own home as GC and self performed most the work.

They may have some suggestions as to where and how you can remodel with the least amount of abatement. 

The home has great guts but needs a complete cosmetic remodel.

Anyone that would do this type of remodel would concern me and I would look for other similarly strange work/additions. 

If you "just" purchased your home, however, I doubt you have sufficient equity to support a HELOC unless you did a major remodel/addition. 

A lot has been going on here, I can see opportunity everywhere with the MAPS projects (check them out).I love real estate investing and house remodeling, adding some modern touches to old homes.I would love to connect and someday meet up with like-minded investors in the area.Thanks,

@Mason Clinger  I'm not sure about your market, but here in Phoenix Arizona, I see a pretty balanced market.It isn't a sellers or buyers' market and that homes are pretty much selling for what they're worth.A lot of sellers are just now reaching a point where they actually have equity again after losing so much of it during the 2008 crash, so many have only a small amount of equity.But it's a good time to sell, especially if you force the equity by doing high-design remodels!

The same guy that does remodels or additions for homeowners may not be the best one for an investor.

If it were my deal I would say pas simply because I've done enough remodels to know that you could easily uncover a 5,000 hidden cost (Or way More) I'm not trying to scare you off but my risk tolerance could be way less than yours. 

So, buyers who use the program will get to borrow the amount needed to actually purchase the property, plus the cash to complete renovations.Homeowners can use the program to fund remodeling projects that cost up to 75 percent of a property’s appraised value.Freddie Mac believes this approach should save consumers both time and money.