They spelled everything out for me and now I am clear with what I have to do.

With a 100% FREE & CLEAR property -  should have no difficulties getting approved - presuming you have current income to make payments.Don't get bogged down in Analysis Paralysis - but there are some positive changes coming in Texas HELOC (Proposition 2 on Texas Ballot - voting tomorrow) should give you ability to borrow more of your equity. 

Then work backwards from there to calculate you MAO (Maximum Allowable Offer).Hope this help clear things up a little.

I taught myself everything from running copper pipes to cutting granite onsite. 

Furthermore, if the #s make sense, combining the buildings can work wonders in cutting your overall expenses. 

And if you decide to move forward, make sure they pay for the background / credit check fees, and clearly state that it's non-refundable whether they pass or fail. 

I think you will see heat-pump driven dryers become more common as they are so much more energy efficient themselves and you do not have to cut a 12.6 sq inch hole through your building envelope for a vent (another inefficiency)We just replaced an{other} {only} five year old Maytag (made by Samsung) 24" laundry set (vented dryer) for which we could no longer obtain parts with a new Bosch pair this afternoon.  

We are in the process of purchasing a condo in Florida and have been obtaining quotes from many insurance companies, getting different/ mixed messages and was hoping to clear things up.

If I own a home clear and free/paid off, and it’s appraised lender value is $400,000, how much home equity or HELOC will I get based on this amount?

Cutting corners in turn-key rehab is nothing new but in midwest, this could result in the roof collapse in the middle of winter.