(We have other fix-and-flip programs we can close in 3 days or less.)My take is that for very small loans, a HELOC may make sense, because we do charge small origination and service fees.

My vote is invest in other markets where the money makes sense and then take that profit to visit whenever you like. 

Only the first can be corrected, but us making a mistake and getting anything less than 5 star review is stricly unacceptable in my eyes and my team also has a strong sense of ownership in their position and loyalty to my company.   

That makes sense from a buyer and renters perspective.

The owner representative (not an agent, just family) seems to not be a fan of this option because he does not understand it.Option 2: If option 1 does not work, or they are unwilling, the offer I see as valid for this property to make sense is about $290K plus taking over the solar loan.

It may make the most sense to focus on home 1 and then leverage the funds from that sale to complete house number 2 and purchase more projects. 

Hello Mike, It is nearly impossible to answer this question without taking a deep dive on the numbers of each but often times in expensive markets like Seattle the cost of construction is so high that it doesn't make sense to tear it down unless you can build something way bigger/nicer.

We are somewhat handy and would not mind fixing up the house while living in it.It doesn't matter where you find it as long as the numbers make sense.

Pick a screening platform/application that makes sense for you.As for meeting the applicants, I recommend meeting them at the property to show the place to them rather than getting coffee or food with them.

When you analyze a deal as an LTR so you can pivot if necessary, you are in a much stronger position.