My original plan was to update and flip it , pay off the heloc and use the profits toward buying my first rental.

If there's not much else "wrong" with the property (or if it's relatively new), you might choose to go ahead and pay a plumber to get it over with.Definitely use polybutylene pipes as a "negative" when negotiating the purchase price.With inflation, tradespeople retiring, and the growing population moving to the area, it might well be less expensive to have them switched out sooner rather than later. 

Unless you also had plans for new builds in the near future, in my opinion, there's much better investment options available in the immediate area

Explain your situation and what your plans are for probably and if the sellers are agreeable write an offer up and move forward.

Hey Kyle, I moved to Columbus a few years ago (from Portland, Oregon which was super expensive) to become a full time real estate investor, and ever since, I've completed quite a lot of BRRRRs, flips, and own a successful rental portfolio here in Columbus Ohio.

Here are three articles that made it into the papers:"Addiction treatment group buys building in Main South, fueling neighborhood angst""Spectrum Health Systems adds property in Worcester as it moves headquarters to Westborough""Main South neighborhood remains on edge about planned drug treatment facility"I find it ironic that no one asked me (the listing agent) how the owner of the property chose Spectrum Health as the buyer.

it is ok to buy a primary once a year if you plan to rent your current and buy a new one . many lenders will not like it being in the same area 

From there you can submit plans/permits, and from there you can begin your rehab.

Sellers who do not plan to purchase another home or do not need to assume a new mortgage to buy another home, such as investors, second-home owners, or those with enough equity, are in an even better place to capitalize on the growth seen over the past several years without regard to today’s higher financing costs stemming from higher interest rates.

I'm working up a business plan now would love some more thoughts and opinions.1) Who give grants for this kind of thing2) I have checked with zoning, I'm thinking about doing something like a Affordable daycare, Offices for Native American Council (Building does have cultural significance), Grounds for Pow Wows and redo the gym in there for community event.