Consult a good lender like Upen Patel to get the right product.

Numbers first, then neighborhood, and finally level of renovation/product.

The problem I ran into was finding a finished product that would command the price needed to make sense.

Figure out either an internet business(either dropshipping, ebaying, affiliate marketing, content creation(writing, reviews, videos, etc)(dude, start a blog now, put content on it, you put your story here, you can put it on your blog and eventually it will rank, even more as you progress your life improvement strategies))    ------    or start a super low overhead service business to start and run(think mobile/stationary car wash&detailing, cleaning service, maybe high demand time uber driving etc), or one possibly related somehow to real estate (if that is your interest)- like Landscaping(not maintenance-due to high equipment costs).

Personally there is no way that I would string someone along, fail to deliver a product, have them say forget it, tell them they are paying anyway, Have them say fine, I'll still do it, then tell them "to bad" I no longer want you and you are still paying. 

http://www.egresswindows.com/product/Easy-Egress-K...This kit is $ 1100.00       Plus labor     with digging , tying into drain tile , and installing window , I would be closer to $ 3000  to $ 3500  .

His company, Spartan Invest, has a very nice product and they are honest people who are easy to work with. 

If you see some movement, you could refinance with a fixed product through your bank or credit union.

There are going to be setbacks and unexpected obstacles, but you can enjoy the finished product, if you keep at it.  

@Craig Jameshttp://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/4033562...IKEA EKBACKEN $79 for a 74 inch piece, it is a laminated flat top counter with finished edges.