I absolutely thought about somehow getting the money to buy my brother out because we were earning almost 3000 a month and the mortgage including escrow was only about 800 a month (and i have people for repairs so they aren’t too expensive), but the woman who was in charge of the duplex (living trust) while we were too young didn’t pay taxes and let the account accrue an escrow shortage and we started having to pay over 1800 a month just to catch up.

Everything gets charged, benefit from all rewards, I pay my monthly statement from my HELOC every month in full and carry no balance over (I get to write off all the interest paid on my HELOC in the first position), as interest on the HELOC is calculated differently from a traditional mortgage.

If you're charging premium rent with a nice rehab I'd replace with same features. 

What is REI Blackbook charging for what you want?

For example last month i was charged $250 to put salt on the steps and sidewalks. 

Find out how they charge you interest, is it on the total loan amount from funding, or do they charge you based on funds you've used (some lenders do not charge you on the whole rehab budget until you use it)?

I've heard some mixed reviews about this site and their unexpected fees, but I'm trying to calculate that into a lower purchase price.

I recently closed on a duplex in New Jersey and will need to start purchasing materials for the rehab and wanted to see if I could charge those expenses on my business credit card.

Guilty as charged. 

Any unexpected zoning or licensing issues???