That would ensure you are repaid when a property sells.In the end it might not be so bad as I assume judgements there are similar to my state where 12% interest is normal, so at least your capital is earning while you wait.Side note: this is also your chance to improve your promissory note so be efficient and pay attention when your attorney reviews your note, get their critique of it so you can make it better for next time.

I don't know that "paying down" the HELOC is the most efficient way.

I have a good tenant that I want to keep who wants to stay, and doesn’t want to vacate so we can do the work most efficiently.

I am an overseas investor, as well, fyi.Before renting, I plan on hiring out to qualified people the following work:-re-glaze all 3 tubs, repair 2 tub surrounds, replace vanities/mirrors/light/fan/toilet internals in 3 bathrooms-rip up carpet, evaluate wood flooring underneath, and either refinish it, or put down laminate on top-repaint whole house inside-professionally treat both apartments for bedbugs (revealed on seller's disclosure that they were there in May 2018)-full house clean-out (previous tenants may leave crap behind)My question is how do I order all this work to happen in the most efficient way possible, so that I don't have to, for example, pay professional cleaners to go through the house twice, or repaint after the tub re-glazing makes a mess of the bathrooms, etc. 

As the owner occupant you'll qualify for more tax credits on updating stuff in the house that is more energy efficient.

Does anyone know of a more efficient method of finding/contacting owners other than going through the county website and seeing if the owner has another address to send them direct mail?  

Hey all, does anyone have any advice for best way to stay on task and on schedule for rehab project only have 90 day to complete project want to make sure I am being efficient and organized.

Since this is two separate buildings, you loose some efficiencies of scale.I usually figure 8-10% vacancy, but this is market specific.You should figure in management at 10%, even if you plan to self-manage at first.What about shared utilities?

Just curious as to what the best way/most efficient way to connect with real estate brokerages. 

I hired a professional management company and more than made up the fees I paid in efficiencies and spending my time elsewhere.