We would be looking to rent the space as work/live or an office or creative space of some kind.

Find an attorney to ensure it's done right.

For the past two years, since beginning this journey, I have consumed every podcast and been absorbed in the forums; I’ve saved nearly every dollar I can and put that towards real estate deals; I’ve pushed my contractor hard, paid him well, but pushed him hard; run my business determined; thought about real estate every day; creatively strategized my next move daily; put relationships on the backburner; and paid myself first.

Hello,I am new to real estate investing, particularly in finding the right person to help me find a great deal (I.E. real estate agent and/or wholesalers), contractors to help repair the home, escrow agent (ensure I get the numbers right) and private/hard money lenders. 

Also is using a HELOC considered creative financing (I keep reading about creative financing, just unsure if HELOCS fall In that category)Lastly I am looking to connect with another buy and hold investor who would be willing to look at my current situation and give ideas on what should be my next move and or what I need to educate myself more on.

How do I ensure this, and that this isn't a ruse to buy more free time in the house?   

There are a lot of creative ways to overcome challenging issues when selling a property.   

Always get a W9 from whomever you hire• Make sure you have them sign lien waivers before you give final payment• Check your city's court documents(public info and usually online) to ensure they don't have any judgements against them• Do not pay 50% up front.

Any creative ideas on ways to optimize this or alternate ways we could allow the upstairs tenant to regulate their heat? 

@Tom Canterino I'd recommend talking to a good mortgage broker, they are often aware of many loan programs that can help with that kind of thing.You could also consider bringing in a partner who can either loan you some of the down payment or some other creative solution (e.g., initially unequal co-ownership but where you could buy back X% over time until you get to 50-50, or something else entirely).Seller financing, as @Dennis M. said, is another great creative strategy, it's a variation on the partner theme, except the "partner" is debt partnering with the former owner.