But I figure contacting them directly has little chance of being productive.

I’m planning to put together a short video on this deal and the “bare minimum” tools to get a deal done.

Then after weeks of no return calls to the brokers or lawyers, they come back stating that they have reservations about the properties not being maintained (which of course is false) and that there is a leak on the property (that was fixed, they inspected) that they still don't believe was the cause of the water leak....even though the plumber told them so and showed the videos. 

Each loan product will have its own specific overlay on the criteria that needs to be followed. 

., yeah, making the case that you intended to hold this for productive investment use might be tough. 

I ended up purchasing a property in Middletown OH on November 1, I've attached a video of it here.

Has anyone had any success with the aeroseal product that supposedely seals all the holes in the duct work and makes it 40% more effecient?

I've read quite a few books and have watched and listened to countless hours of podcasts and videos over the past couple of months, trying to immerse myself and soak up as much RE investment information as possible.

You also have to pay for the standard Taxes and Insurance, but with a STR utilities are in your name, Internet, likely some type of video service (Netflix, Hulu, Sling).  

I would suggest a few items: 1) Ensure you have cash on hand to make payments on the HELOC during the project, 2) Try and find a HELOC product that only requires interest-only payments (therefore reducing your payments during the project, 3) Build in some cushion on timing of the renovation and sales process for the flip in case either takes a few months longer.