Private money How did you add value to the deal?

Personally, I would only use HELOC money if the project will be rather quick.

He was paid in full for what was done, in fact he currently owes me money.

My company allows me to place more than one property together on one policy which saves me a lot of money.

And only after you spend time, money and effort, finding "people" will you ask them "hey sell me your house".Now, how many people do you need to ask this question before you not only get a "yes"...

Do you need more money?

But I’m nervous to invest their money as I’m pretty new and an amateur to investing.

What would be the best way to approach this situation to recover the money owed? 

Many times I have been in the home they choose 3-4 times for previous sales years ago, so can tell them all about updates, etc.I think many people are getting ready to have a rude awakening in the coming year or two and when people get burned with no representation or loose a lot of money.

@Dan Bowe - The truth it, you need real life experience prior to taking other people's money.