I will then pay back at the +0.25% rate, the $65 annual fee (waived the first year) and (haven't worked through the details on this part yet) commit to a full repayment should the HELOC rate go crazy.It seems like this is a reasonable way give my family member a return (meager, but otherwise unused anyway), take advantage of the different lending rates, and still meet the obligation to my local bank.

Assuming you mean there is only one (1) title owner and that is the trustandAssuming you mean the two owners are the Grantors/Trustees,I would name the Sellers on the Contract as "John Smith and Mary Smith, Trustees of the John and Mary Smith Trust" which is the same way I would call/name the Grantors on the Trustee's Deed.You could say the Grantors are the "owners" but the Trustees control the trust and have the power to commit the trust to contracts etc.Good luck.

Even though I plan to purchase myself, I am hoping this step in the process can serve as additional education on the specific materials that go into each part of the rehab without committing to allowing a contractor to run up the costs on me.

There are all sorts of things title companies won’t insure for and those are the most important things to note on title commitment.

This seems to me to be a big commitment to "permanently" borrow the money on a 30 year fixed but at the same time it seems to be the smartest play in the long term.I'd love to hear all of your feedback and thoughts on still utilizing HELOC's vs getting FIXED equity in your properties!

I would also structure an incentive with the Project Manager where if he/she were to take and pass the test for GC licensure, an automatic rais would be applied so long as they committed x number of years to you.I know it sounds aggressive, however, if you find someone young and hungry this could be a great deal for both parties.Have you also considered paying a PM based on a percentage of the overall project cost?

I’m curious to know if you already have a tenant base when you target these centers for acquisition or are you going into them with no prior commitments.

When you find the right strategy, commit to it and don't try to get into a little of everything.

Getting prequalified ahead of time usually helps with answering this before you commit to a property but you can certainly take the time now to try.  

My commitment last year was to overcome my mindset of mediocrity and to grow in my mindset that tends to slow down my progress.