I pieced together a deal analysis spreadsheet and did my best to estimate the repair and maintenance items that would likely come into play over time, but I'm writing to find out practically speaking how people manage those funds.

There could be a lot of different things that can happen that could delay it and I have found there are often delays; rarely do these types of things happen ahead of schedule versus the chance of them being behind.   

One technique for finding deals that intrigues me is looking up NODs (Notices of Default) in the public records and then reaching out to the property owners (probably via postal mail) to see if they are interested in selling.It seems like there's a decent chance to find a highly motivated seller and perhaps a very good deal using this method.I am wondering if anyone in the forums has used (or attempted) this technique, and if so, what sort of results you've seen.

There's a very good chance it's coming.

This leads me to believe the mortgage is the better option. exactly. confirm the terms before you lock either one down, but I've been in lending my whole career, these things are fairly standard. if you take the heloc your payments will obliterate any chance of cash flow. mortgage is better suited for that

Short increases the chances of a return call but being too vague decreasing the chances. 

I need a estimate for the city compliance so the city can have a basis for how much escrow i have to put in repairs.Thanks, 

I'm positive and hopeful they will work with me on this...My question is for you legal guys and gals out there: If I can't work something out with the Church, is there any chance at all I have a case for adverse possession here?

Zero chance of fraud issues.

I would start looking today, deals don't often pop up for your first time so if you think you'll be ready in Jan then chances are it'll take a few months after to actually get a deal.And finally something I did a little but not too excessively: reverse engineer.