The problem is that I don't want to create a personal profile in my own name because that's not the name of the business, but Facebook will not allow you to sign up for a personal profile using a business name. 

It applies whether you are using a contractor or doing it yourself.

I understand the principle of a lease-option deal, but just finished a book that suggested using a lease-option on both sides of the transaction.

So if you’re going to record a contract for deed then there’s no advantage for the seller/lender over using a warranty deed - deed of trust so they just use the safer later.

Do not be discouraged, investing here in CA, using a buy & hold strategy is very difficult for anyone unless you have large down payments &/or can carry negative cash flow.There is nothing "scary" about investing abroad, and if done correctly, you can be very successful at it.

It is a mortgage accelerator program using a HELOC.

I did look into a HELOC on an investment property, but the  rates/fees were too high to justify it, although it would be less expensive than using a hard money lender. 

If you are doing volume, using a mass system for showing times, the app process etc works best.

What are your thoughts about using a HELOC for first investment property?

You can eliminate the need for a full size oven and running that larger 220V cable by using a convection microwave (one that bakes).