Additionally I like to evaluate the financial health, capital reserves, and property condition of the association to try to understand whether a large assessment is looming.  

Cardinal Financial will fund out of state investors.

My goal is to eventually become financially independent to the point of being able to work my current job 6 months out of the year.

. $1.1 mil + equity in my property (no liens, and very good credit score)Since I am running a business on my first level of my home, I couldn’t find any financial institution to secure me a HELOC (apart from point.com which doesn’t seem a good deal for me)…apparently, the lenders don’t like mixed commercial/residential type of business (e.g. assisted living).

Currently, the contractor is missing in action.

Currently, the contractor is missing in action.

These will be my first two properties and it will give me a way in the industry, but I also don't want to make a bad financial decision.

A contractor is more likely to have financial issues when he doesnt get money up front .   

I think I've found what it is: International Paper Masonite Omniwood - the bad part is there was a class action lawsuit against this siding type, I think because of poor quality and not being able to stand up to the 30-year warranty.

If it is true, you  or more likely the person living there that needs your care may be able to get some financial compensation.