In my experience with guests remaking the bed, they're never making it as neatly as my housekeeper (probably not tucking sheets in under the mattress, arranging pillows the same way, etc) so while at a glance it might look the same, closer examination will probably reveal if it's been used.  

Would love the advice of some seasoned investors around:1.

My agent is @Marcus Auerbach -- he's a seasoned investor and rehabber and understands the market very well.

I'm trying to find a long term financing option that would let us pay off the HELOC after the seasoning period.

I have found that to be the best way as you don't have to find a new vendor for each season. 

you are bringing cash (via wire or cashiers check) to closing for your 20% and the HELOC is secured against the other property, so who cares, unless you are doing secondary market, then they want that money "seasoned" but who buys in their personal name anyway. 

So the fact that I completed the flip despite a lot going not as planned IS a success in my book.Then instead of just bragging about it I decided to do a complete write up from how we got the lead to how we tackled the flip in full excruciating detail, so others newbies and seasoned investors can learn , get inspired and do, with somewhat of a guide to hold their hand.So it really boils down to what YOU consider the success.

Get the LLC formed as soon as possible and get it seasoned. 

But like Joe said about a local group -- I'm trying to figure out when would be best to have a recurring day/time before I'd start it...but I think around Tax season is possible for us to do a Meet-n-greet.

About $650 average is what I'm seeing.During the busy months, I know the unit will rent out most nights, but I am worried about the off season in Vegas.