Good morning Ashley, It depends on what you plan on using the HELOC for.

Plan for funding the reno was through my W2, cash I didn't use on the down payment and a business CC with 1 year zero interest. 

I don't plan on buying anytime really soon but I'd love to start connecting with more seasoned investors and local professionals within the area.

Yes, I plan on reaching out.

In addition, I included my plan strategy in the attachments.

Plan B is that if I'm unable to refi, I'll sell off my only SFR and then I can pay off over 60% of the credit card debt and then I'll try again to refi.

Even if the intent is to convert this into a rental upon grandma's passing, you still would like the step-up in basis unless you plan of lifetime of 1031 / 721 exchanges.

I still plan on paying the monthly HOA required payment but I am not intending to pay thousands I had no decision-making power on.

Customers in the shoulder season appear to be much much more price sensitive and highly prefer payment plans.

I don’t see the sense in paying off my own house at presumably low interest rates, and exchanging that for a higher rate, variable interest line…unless I have a really good plan for not losing my house.