So the key for us has been flexibility and adapting.

Without being and agent I know I have more flexibility, and I'm not bound to as many laws and regulations especially when it comes to a deal I want to pursue for myself.  

who can be very flexible with a closing date, that's a BIG plus for him.

I'm impressed with the creativity and flexibility in your approach to each property you described.

If you don't jack up the rent, most will stay, but some will leave because either they can't stay a full year or want some flexibility.

Be flexible, use all the tools in the box. :)

Mortgages have more favorable terms than HELOC's (longer amortization, lower payment) so this may be a better option if you have a set use for the funds.However, HELOC's offer added flexibility that mortgages do not because you do not pay on them if you do not use the funds.

It is fully customizable and flexible. 

They have a lot of flexibility in their underwriting guidelines, so the 2-year thing may not be an issue. 

So my thinking is in order to keep maximum flexibility with the scenerio here it really needs to be 50% you, 25% brother and 25% father to make things easy.Am I thinking right or am I lost?