A place that the family always thinks of and goes to for reunions or vacation? 

They don't have a strategy for you because as I said, a one-off is a loss for a company.

Pick a lender.  

My understanding is that most lenders will file a mortgage lien on the subject property as soon as the loan is signed so as to preserve their rights, but what if the lender did not do so before the borrower defaulted?

Quote from @Matt Lewis: I'm purchased my first commercial property this year and just had a water leak from a pipe going into the water heater in one of my tenant's space.

Sounds like a cool plan.Welcome to BP!

A HELOC or cash-out refinance would let you access funds for the down payment on a new property without needing to sell or relocate.

Hi @Paul Rook, I don't have any experience with the company you mentioned but a handy resource for homeowners to check ANY contractor or trades person is lni.wa.gov.

You might need to save a little more to give yourself a cushion.

@David Bohn Thanks for taking a look.