Readup and listen to the podcasts but most of all set a deadline and pull the trigger.  

I've been interested in RE investing for years and haven't pulled the trigger yet, except for a home we bought with the intention of having it be an investment and ended up using it as our primary. 

I hope to pull the trigger on this property soon.

Without a doubt doing this activity inside an IRA will trigger UBIT.  

I'm currently doing interior design/furniture rehabbing, but am getting ready to pull the trigger on my first flip.

i would love to bounce ideas off eachother as it will help with my decision making being new to this game i am learning something new everyday and it seems hard to pull the trigger when important information on the subject continues to pop up.

Home equity loans are designed for Harry Homeowner to fix the kitchen for momma, not really as a commercial venture that carries long term needs.Read the fine print too, HELOC can be called under many events, your credit standing could trigger changes, it's not a product you can really trust long term.Search the topic too, much has been posted about your ideas. :) 

it seems like there is some definite harsh feelings towards Bandit signs from the BP community... are they legal?

Please understand that I'm not trying to be harsh, but if I could loan my money to anyone, why would I chose you?

If not, calculate what it is going to cost you to pull the trigger on this deal now instead of waiting.