I was not comfortable with the market and interest rate conditions, so I elected to hold off.

As you mentioned intentional flips are typically considered inventory-This means the income is ordinary income and as such: - Is not a capital gain, so hold time of 1 year does not change to a better long-term capital gain rate - Can not be invested in a QOF Deductions related to it can't be pushed or changed- all costs are accounted for with the inventory component 

What is your current rate?   

I contacted support and apparently, my account had its email changed without me knowing and I lost all the money I had in the account, somewhere around $1000.

That was when the market was stabilized, rates were sub 4.5% and distressed properties actually sold for a significant discount.Today, distressed properties sell for a premium and cash out refi rates are over 8%. 

If the cash-out refinance option isn’t providing enough liquidity, you could also consider a hard money loan, though these tend to come with higher interest rates and shorter terms.

Most lenders that I work with give Wholesale Rates (vs retail rates when you go directly to a lender). 

Since you haven't started the project yet, use this time to network with lenders to see who offers the best terms....seasoning, rate, leverage and pre-payment penalty terms. 

Make sure you setup your Goals correctly so you are measuring things like phone calls, contact forms, tours scheduled etc., 2.

There are some great suggestions here on down payment, interest rate, servicing, and underwriting the borrower.