Having lived in one side of 2 unit for 10+ years, therefore more than the 1 year expected occupancy to satisfy 1st mortgage, now wanting to rent both 2 units to tenants for long-term rental 12 month leasesdoes the original occupancy satifiy the HELOC if there is any type of requirement?

But, the immediate question I have is, since you plan to owner-occupy the property when done, are you trying to get owner-occupied type of mortgage on the property? 

What type of contract do I use because I was recommend by my lender that this will be a commercial deal that will take longer then a normal house contract. 

You simply want to know what price you could potentially sell for so you don't overpay and end up with negative equity.Cap rate works better with large multifamily for various reasons, but can technically be used for all property types if you like.

There is also a strong networking of Private Money Lenders at these type of events, which do make building that potential network of funding possible, too.

Will depend on several factors like the type of property, type of tenants, your risk tolerance, other assets you own, your estate planning, laws where the property is located, etc.

I have tried researching the laws in my state on the eviction process and determining what type of notice would be applicable to the situation.

I am not in Baltimore, but there are some national insurers like State Farm and American Family Insurance that insure these types of properties.

What type do you prefer to work with and why?  

You can find any type of climate you want in this state.