In Chicago it doesn't matter the daily rate. 

Keep listening to podcasts and use all the free tools here on BP that not only teach you a ton of amazing stuff but keep your spirits up and mindset focussed on what really matters as you walk through that desert ahead of you.

I looked online and the definitions are confusing.

If the owner cuts them at any other time, for any reason, no matter how long he’s been with them he’ll pay the fees.

Then as maintenance happens they get paid usually again some nominal fee.It’s all done through email and online softwares

I don't know your market, but I don't think I'd do a deal like that unless I had a great day job that ensured me that I could pay the mortgage on this property no matter what.

Heloc can be great but just remember no matter your financial status with a heloc you will forever owe it should you run into any problems.

Now if you want to expedite your learning then you may want to consider joining some program online or offline. 

As for best lenders, do a little research online and you can vet out a few lenders.

I will say, as a programmer, I built my own system that was comparable (better in some ways, not so much in others) in many ways to Dan's, but I didn't have online access to the Upset Bid sheets and that was a significant factor in my using his service.