Personal property is from unauthorized occupants one of whom has committed assault against the other but police declined to press charges.

I committed to learning what works for the investors who inspire me and copy, copy, copy.

Thought I’d ask you guys before making a commitment:1) do you avoid properties all-together that have knob and tube wiring?

Landlord is committing a crime unfortunately My older generation would proceed to tell me about how they'd kick down the door and throw the squatter out into the streets (and only get a slap on the wrist for doing so).   

Any of these options requires market research and running your own numbers, but the time commitment is still relatively minor. 

I will then pay back at the +0.25% rate, the $65 annual fee (waived the first year) and (haven't worked through the details on this part yet) commit to a full repayment should the HELOC rate go crazy.It seems like this is a reasonable way give my family member a return (meager, but otherwise unused anyway), take advantage of the different lending rates, and still meet the obligation to my local bank.

Assuming you mean there is only one (1) title owner and that is the trustandAssuming you mean the two owners are the Grantors/Trustees,I would name the Sellers on the Contract as "John Smith and Mary Smith, Trustees of the John and Mary Smith Trust" which is the same way I would call/name the Grantors on the Trustee's Deed.You could say the Grantors are the "owners" but the Trustees control the trust and have the power to commit the trust to contracts etc.Good luck.

Even though I plan to purchase myself, I am hoping this step in the process can serve as additional education on the specific materials that go into each part of the rehab without committing to allowing a contractor to run up the costs on me.

There are all sorts of things title companies won’t insure for and those are the most important things to note on title commitment.

This seems to me to be a big commitment to "permanently" borrow the money on a 30 year fixed but at the same time it seems to be the smartest play in the long term.I'd love to hear all of your feedback and thoughts on still utilizing HELOC's vs getting FIXED equity in your properties!