The hassle is not worth the pet rent for us. 

The takeaway point of what I was trying to say is that being motivated to bring management in-house due to cash position isn't typically a good reason.

Sounds like it was probably a reverse mortgage, and the balance owing is higher than the property is worth.

Having a 24 month term on the front end will also make my job easier doing the take-out loan when it's time to refinance into permanent debt, because there's room in there for a full year of tax returns to have been done in the middle (if your exit plan is to sell, it'll also make it easier on your buyer who will presumably be willing to pay a higher price if they can get an A-paper good mortgage).Ask for a 24 month term, tell your contractor you want it done in a year (and make it financially worth their while if they can pull it off), internally/mentally plan on 18 months, and I'm putting you on notice now to do your tax returns on time, rather than extending them (don't fight me on this, please just do it).Trying to get a renovation mortgage like this for only 1 point is likely a waste of your time, but if you want to ask, after you've secured the above as a 'done deal,' go for it, can't hurt. 

She has owned the SFHs for years and many have less than $100K left on their loans but are currently worth $350K or more.

Feel free to PM me, this is typically something a lender can accomadate.

Market Knowledge: These agents typically have in-depth knowledge of the local real estate market, including areas with high investment potential, upcoming developments, or changes in zoning laws that could affect property values.

Seller credits, zero interest CCs, borrowed funds from family as options and on surface they may seem stressful but if done responsibly on the right deal will be worth the effort to "figure it out".

This is typically how I approach my investing since I'm more in it for the long haul than short term rewards.

As they say, your network will be your net-worth.7.