I would be interested to see how far up the chain of appeals that actually made it, as my mode of attack as a Consumer Protection attorney would be to move for summary judgment since the company isn't appearing by appropriate agent for court process. 

(b)Escrow accounts—(1)Requirement to escrow for property taxes and insurance.Except as provided in paragraph (b)(2) of this section, a creditor may not extend a higher-priced mortgage loan secured by a first lien on a consumer's principal dwelling unless an escrow account is established before consummation for payment of property taxes and premiums for mortgage-related insurance required by the creditor, such as insurance against loss of or damage to property, or against liability arising out of the ownership or use of the property, or insurance protecting the creditor against the consumer's default or other credit loss.

HELOC's don't have closing costs and only have a modest $45 annual fee.

Most fraud scenarios, believe it or not, are not instigated by the consumer. 

Simply being the person people know, like, and trust in your every day social groups, and any investor meetings you start attending should generate a modest amount of sales per yer that will put some extra cash in your pocket, and take care of those scary fees that Russel is always talking about. 

She also has nearly 200k in consumer debt that has been in the making since my birth.

SmartMove’s consumer reports contain credit and public record information on consumers that is updated regularly from thousands of sources of data.

Seems like the laminate would be a much easier and less time consuming fix for me. 

It doesn't go away with modest success either.

That could be a more modest draw/loan and much more manageable should anything crazy happen in your life.