There is an "ABC test", as follows:Under the ABC test, a worker is considered an employee and not an independent contractor, unless the hiring entity satisfies all three of the following conditions:a - The worker is free from the control and direction of the hiring entity in connection with the performance of the work, both under the contract for the performance of the work and in fact;b - The worker performs work that is outside the usual course of the hiring entity’s business; andc - The worker is customarily engaged in an independently established trade, occupation, or business of the same nature as that involved in the work performed.But under B, my business is renting residences, which includes sometimes fixing a broken doorknob. 

I put three offers in on various properties in Maine (my desired market area).   

The other piece to factor is the amount of time that it takes to secure a HELOC which is averaging anywhere from 3-6 monhts (I'm currently nearly three months into a HELOC application for my rental).

We are interested in tearing it down and replacing it with a three car garage with two separate living units above it.

Ring doorbell and Schlage lock?

Need to rent out the three bedroom home ASAP.

A little about myself, I have done consulting for the past 10 years (internal and external) and I currently own three properties.

Try to secure two or three that will answer when you are in the middle of a crazy situation. 

I would do three strikes and then move to eviction.

So even if you had other investment properties outside of that neighborhood, as long as you don't have more than three in the neighborhood you'll be fine.