I want to go the BRRRR route to get as much of the HELOC money back as possible but very new to the whole thing.

If you want to go the contractor route, try to get at least 3 quotes and references.

This interior change forced us to consider the short term rental market and how it could actually be a desirable feature for this market where a group may be interested in renting both sides like adjoining hotel rooms.Our total cash into the renovations was extensive ($95,000). 

You'd still need to go through the quiet title action.

I'm curious about what the bids are likely to go up to.

Yes HELOC would be the way to go, just can't find any bank that will do a HELOC on an investment property. 

I don't know if that is possible/desirable for you. 

I could have obtained cheaper appliances, but I am trying to go mid-grade to keep the property up to market.

So, at this point I've decided I need to just talk with someone who does this for living and knows the laws and possibly tax advantages to go either route given my situation. 

I would love to go into the offices and talk to them but what does that convo look like?