For my buy and hold portfolio I have a few buckets that I put funds into.

We will raise 9 months of principle and interest reserves (along with the funds to close and Capex) but I want to have a clear picture of what each month will look like so we can plan for any weak spots up front.I am not an Excel wizard so if anyone has a tool they can share for this type of budgeting that would be spectacular. 

Then utilize the HELOC to help fund the down payment on your second (new) property.

I would not be in the least bit concerned but if you are you should pull out all the equity from the properties.Invest it in a REIT or income fund and it should easily will double the return it is presently earning.  

I'd assume they will require EM via wire transfer and proof of funds as well.  

Even with forced appreciation through rehab, it’d be difficult and you’d have to fund it yourself. 

I think long term government bonds could match or come very close to that.

For that matter, I have yet to see anything on the MLS (I haven't found a good source of off-market opportunities yet) with a cash ROI above a 10-year treasury bond (once all costs are taken into account).I'm already heavily invested in other non-RE assets (stocks, bonds, etc.) so for me to go in on a property that needs rehab, management, etc., it better be worth the extra hassle.

I am in this with no partner so funds are limited to my day job and six side hustles.Darrell

I believe what you are proposing means jail time  Depends on the state, in Texas there is no requirement (at least that I know of for individual investors ) to keep the funds separate.