I also hear that HUD homes can sometimes be tough to deal with, so this would seem to me like a deal that would be best to do with a partner with some experience.  

If you can't attract tenants to an area, it's tough to get home buyers. 

I’m in a tough spot and I’m hoping the BP forum can give me some advice.

Even for folks on ground it could be a tough neighborhood.

So I don't NEED to cash out refinance, so much as prefer investing money that I got from property appreciation rather than deploying money that is not in rental houses (once your money is in a rental, it's tough to get it out without refinancing.

Seems tough and depends on the market/rents in that specific area. 

I have a fabulous lender here in the Chicago suburbs who has helped me get tough deals funded for clients many times. 

If you really want to get names, ask your neighbours or co-workers who recently bought places for recommendations.

I would start by contacting the case worker and discuss whether that will push the rent above the HUD requirements.  

I sub contract workers but you always have to oversee everything..and add touch ups yourself..the market is hot.