With what @Michael Johnson there is nothing wrong with that, you are exploring your bids.

But Texas DOES have some unique laws around personal residences.

He's the go-to guy for financing "unique" and "unusual" deals haha.

Rather than waiting for tax refund and potentially losing this deal, I was just hoping to explore other avenues for raising the capital.

Definitely @Corey Melkonian, I will be visiting Boston on Jan 31st to explore the area and will get into touch with you afterwards. 

So now I am exploring my other options and deciding which is best. 

You have to know how to identify the sellers needs and aligning those needs with a unique offer.  

Both of these places would have positive cash flow allocating for legit cap expense ($250-$300 for a detached unit per month, so at least $500 for a detached duplex), vacancy 5%, and maintenance.I really should not be encouraging competition in my area but I am NOT using Escondido because I think it is unique but because I know it well and know what duplex to quad are on the market and what duplex to quad have sold. 

I'd like to do a significant renovation and am exploring the viability of a HELOC to accomplish that.

An hour or so with an attorney would be the best way to go.I would explore creating a partnership agreement with your brother, then get added to the title.