I would like to flip my next few properties to get some cash in my bank account.

Many vacant homes are bank owned. 

Looking for a rec for a local bank to do a HELOC.  

We are financing the purchase through a local bank.

Furnishing would be done by myself at the beginning of the lease.After meeting with an owner, and explaining the opportunity along with my professional background and providing references, the owner could trust their property would be treated as I would treat one of my own properties, which is with the utmost respect. 

As I see it, wholesalers are just a tool to find a deal, and there are many other ways as well to find deals that have been discussed and explained throughout the BP site.

The bank has agreed to do a short sale of 189k.

Once you have that number, contact a few contractors walk them through the house and explain what you want to do.

My primary thought for involvement with the LLC was to get access to sellers who would not qualify for investor deal, but may be interested in short sale listing (which must be done with the agent for bank to consider it), or some other solution.

US Bank has a 10% down product for 2-unit primary residence purchases, but that is about as aggressive as you'll get on anything that isn't FHA.