I havent completed a lot of deals as I've focused on building equity in what I have, however have completed many more hours in due diligence than i care to count....HA  Plan on reworking the financing I have in place myself and establishing a LOC so I can increase my purchasing power.I'd think US Bank would definitely be who I'd check first on the HELOC since they hold your mortgage -- you'll probably receive the most favorable terms from them and would probably be easiest to set up -- they do not have any branches in Wichita, however should be something you can do online/over the phone.  

You might want to check BBB listings too - are they accredited, what is their rating, etc.Generally an older, more established custodian with thousands of accounts and many millions if not billions of alt assets under management will be a more stable company, more familiar with the IRS rules and regulations regarding Self-Directed IRA investing do's and don'ts.

Appraisal came back at $359k, so the new, negotiated & signed agreement is for $359k with a $5k Seller assist.The mortgage processor just emailed me an "Escape Clause" to sign stating the following:"It is expressly agreed that, notwithstanding any other provisions of this contract, the purchaser shall not incur any penalty by forfeiture of earnest money or otherwise or be obligated to complete the purchase of the property described herein, if the contract purchase price or cost exceeds the reasonable value of the property established by the Department of Veterans Affairs.The purchaser shall, however, have the privilege and option of proceeding with the consummation of this contract without regard to the amount of the reasonable value established by the Department of Verterans Affairs."

Try to address their issues, maintain your property and establish that your relationship is one about mutual respect.

Obviously, we establish terms, her rate of return and stick to them, no matter what...

If you are looking at the Roth IRA money, your best option will be to establish a self directed IRA and use the capital you have to acquire properties.  

That way I can rent out the second unit, and as a bonus, establish what its market rent is.

My mother is thinking about selling her house, it's in an older established family oriented neighborhood that's been getting a lot of home makeovers.

You can interpret their verbiage however you may, but my 2 cents is you need to "occupy, establish and use" the property ASAP as per the document.

They may have to charge you a service fee in order to establish the utilities in order to clean the property and keep the utilities on which is normal.