On the prelim HUD that you submit, you will allocate funds to the 2nd lien.

Doing this will allow you to leverage your remaining funds as a backup in case surprises occur.  

The earnest money deposit is yours, You can get it back if you back out of the deal within your inspection period or if the deal falls through because of financing, but if your doing a conventional loan make sure you have an Appraisal Contingency so if the property don't appraise you wont be obligated to come up with the difference.  3.No, its your money and its becomes part of the funds you bring to the table when its time to close the deal.4.

I use HELOC to fund this deal.

I thought maybe since I had the funds and time might as well get it out of the way and maybe get a part time assistant job or something.

You can then use these funds to buy other "BRRR" properties.

Voter-approved bonds can increase the 1% base rate, such as bonds providing funding for schools, parks, or other community services.

I am looking to raise some funds for additional rehab costs or JV with another investor/builder to get this gem moving. 

But I do want to keep the stability if my job until this can replace my income so as to fund marketing and whatnot.

The seller accepted the concession at closing so that I can apply the funds towards repairs that were identified in the inspection report.