I am social security age, barely. 

Work out the first deal weighted in his favor, then he will be comfortable working w/you on subsequent properties.

., I've been thinking that if I can survive the renovations and get the properties rented (I'd like to hang onto the properties if I can, selling is less desirable back up option) then I would try to secure a HLOC to consolidate my debt, but I've been wondering about the debt to income being a problem.

I don't know of any way to finance them but I have 4 that I was able to purchase with cash, secure a HELOC that covered my purchase/rehab costs and still have them in positive cash flow...

This isn't really a huge deal, but most of the sites have their hands full taking in domestic money at this point given the complexity in the securities laws.  

The Mortgagee has the ability to accept or reject insurance in most cases through the language in the security instrument.  

I just say to my LO tenants, you are headed toward ownership, you are a smart and financially secure family,, you'll handle most maintenance right?  

The best way to secure a private lender is to have a Solid Executive Summary for You and Your CompanyYou need a strong Board of Directors, and a good list of previous projects you've completed.Imagine if you were a Private Money Lender, and someone came to you with a deal...

I don't know much about it but her thinking is secure the right to purchase now without having to put up much cash right now.We could maybe put 20K down to help them with their down payment for their new house.But what I want to know is would doing this disqualify them from the loan they're trying to get right now?

@Orlando Paz1 - See if the sellers will take payments.2 - Check a local Investor club (REIA) and see if you can secure a money partner to fund the deal for you.Good luck and have fun!