If you made changes that resulted in taxes being due, the UW will want to see that has been paid already, or a payment arrangement established (requiring IRS acceptance obviously).

But as rent rose, I am contemplating that decision again.

How should the deal be arranged if I'm only going to keep their money for 5 months

I'm happy to talk anytime to go over the plan, the scope of work, contractor arrangements, and even personally walk through the houses if anyone is near Morristown TN.

If not you'll gladly do it but they will be paying for that arrangement.

@Brad HammondUsing another app would be me making special arrangements for him and I've rejected others in the past who wanted to submit their own so that's a no go.Interesting re the guarantor though, but I failed to mention im less concerned about the credit score and more about the background as I rent per room.

So, total newbie here... where does one find this type of HELOC/arrange it this way?

  $100 cash.Go to the local spa in the middle of the day and make the arrangement!

It's interesting to contemplate what that will do to the investment real estate market when the greatest benefits are found in lesser expensive properties. 

Put out signs, lockboxes, pick up applications, arrange for repairs, etc.