I would like to look at some HELOC options if possible but I was told I would need to refinance the loan to a conventional investment loan and take on a much higher rate, which I have no plans of doing.

https://www.biggerpockets.com/business/finder/tax-and-financ...Great resources no matter what state to find a tax pro who specifically understands real estate. 

Thanks Check out this article on BP published on this exact topic - the "5-10 Unit Multifamily Niche" has some very specific financing options - including, the Multifamily "DSCR Loans" that @Brian Cauldwell mentioned - these look like SFR loans (no tax returns, 30-year fixed, Rent/PITIA to calc DSCR etc.) but are for slightly bigger propertieshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/multifamily-dscr-loans

No one on BP can answer it without your lease

I've got a stainless whirlpool appliance package set to go in (no dishwasher due to space unfortunately).

I've been told by a paralegal that a lien isn't valid if the owner didn't authorize it, and there's no tenant (leasehold) relationship.

@Tom Hall there is no magical solution that's going to bail you out of this:(

I'd be open to some consulting to see if I can help streamline what you're working with, however I know when we were at ~15 units, there was no way to justify the cost for something that wasn't lower-end, off-the-shelf software. 

It was easy to setup, and my tenants had no problem getting setup via the invite email that they receive once they are added to a property/lease.

I had NO CLUE what I was doing when I got this property under contract, but I knew in my gut I had something AWESOME that could change the trajectory of my life & real estate experience & career.