The IRS, in a now discontinued Publication 535, used to say:If you are an individual and your attempt to go into business is not successful, the expenses you had in trying to establish yourself in business fall into two categories.The costs you had before making a decision to acquire or begin a specific business.

Anything specific in your plan or locality that would force this?

I know you will find a ton of encouraging and helpful people here.Regarding HELOC I suggest you connect with my good friend @Michael Barbari...I believe they can still do up to 90% which is 10% more than most banks.If you need any other specific connections here in Chicago I am happy to provide them. 

For your first unit, unless hiring outside management which means giving up 20% of earnings, you're going to have quite a hurdle to operate a place remotely.I don't necessarily think looking at market specific data around the country and thinking you can just dive into that market and do well makes much sense.

Hi @April BirdsongWithout knowing all the specifics of your situation it is hard to give a definitive answer.

A "bridge loan" means something very specific.  

Prior to getting your loan, it will be important to know what your strategy is for that specific project.

I'm unsure of the tile dimensions, whether they are 12"x12", and the specific layout and classification of your rental property.

Let us know more specifically about what you have in mind.   

Landlord can't ask what the specific disability is named and can't charge anything extra.