You might consider both (asking for references, and scouting the early bird material buyers in different sections of store) so that you have contacts for quick-and-dirty jobs, as well as larger projects.  

., figure out their typical useful life, and determine how much should be set aside each year based on the current replacement cost.  

Another assuming question is, if all goes right, which is usually the plan but typically not the outcome, is the profit all subject to tax even if its partially used to pay yhe HELOC?

This comparison is a little difficult to do, since hotels and apartments have significantly different structures (i.e. you typically don't see people making 100-room apartments or condos).

Typically tenants don't shovel or use salt.

@Kyle M.What you are likely referring to is that with real estate purchased outside of a tax-sheltered vehicle, depreciation can taken be against taxation on income.

Remember these are people typically can't get a loan to by a house. 

Hi @Sarah Godil - I don't know your market, but typically I've found that the best advice is just to sit tight in your position.

When the mortgage is initially signed, it will usually contain a provision called a power of sale clause, which upon default allows an attorney to foreclose on the property in order to satisfy the underlying defaulted loan, which is sometimes referred to as a note.

Check all their references (this is an absolute must).