I am trying to decide between using the 203k loan which I know limits my options or if I should use a combination of private money and a HELOC that I am applying for as we speak.

We actually went riding through Seminole heights and noticed that 90% of the homes were already under contract or rehabbing in progress so I do see that it may be hard to find the deals.

Turned out all my properties I was under my deductable so that was a unexpected 16K expense thanks to Irma.Two weeks ago I got a notice from my insurance carrier notifying me come October my insurance will no longer be renewed due to lack of documentation that repairs had been made.I called my agent and apparently there has been some mix up on their end. 

There was a few challenges as we were dealing with an extremely short time frame and he started with only a weeks notice.

The acknowledgement being recorded against title puts the world on notice, so that anyone that buys this property couldn't ever claim prescriptive rights later.

So I am very new to this and this question may be silly, but aside from anything conventional, could I get private or hard money just for a rehab on a property I already own free and clear?

Don’t know any private investors.

I've been noticing the real estate market in Connecticut getting a little flooded.

It's relatively close to everything and is pretty much smack dab in the middle of the areas you've visited.Each area you mentioned has different features as I'm sure you noticed when visiting. 

I noticed Greenville, NC - GO PIRATES!!