Not sure your marriage would survive all the drama of living in a rehab-in-process but you might consider an FHA 203k loan to purchase and rehab (if the government decides to go back to work).

If you work for the government, some credit unions will go up as high as 95% LTV on the HELOC.

You didn't say what the property was but a mortgage originator in your area will guide you in what is customary and terms to adopt.We don't get off topic into politics here, but realize that residential loans may be delayed depending on where a borrower goes, for government loans.

I don't want to rant about big government but imo this is just another example of good intentions gone bad.

@Mark Fergusonsince the title insurance fee is set by the government, many title companies don't charge for settlement as they make money of title insurance premiums.Title insurance is only insurance where you insure past events and except out any questionable event.

That will also vary depending the number of loans you purchase and the type of seller, institutional or private.There can be many moving pieces in the contract and some are governed by law, such as timing for Servicing Transfer.

Keep in mind, it is not about you, it is about the customer who pays your bills and makes your investment successful.Today, people are increasingly becoming very apprehensive of conducting business solely by automation and technology - especially when it comes to giving out personal information.Many companies and government agencies warn against making virtual payments.

There's a lot of free information out there and a lot of people here who are glad to help, so no need to hand over tons of money.Once I understood the rules and how everything worked and started researching some available certificates, I quickly realized that the gurus' claims of this being a "risk free investment" and "guaranteed by the government" was extremely misleading.Also, I've found it to be a lot harder to make some of the higher returns that were once the norm.

One of my tenants texted me that he has not received his paycheck yet due to the federal government shut down.

The courses offered in my area are:"How to Invest in Real Estate"-basic introduction including foreclosed property (8hrs $148)"Principles of Landlord/Tenant Law-covers oral and written leases, landlord and tenant law, breaches of leases and eviction procedures, as well as specific laws (such as escrow-deposit requirements) for PA (3hrs $45)"Real Estate Fundamentals"- covers language, principles and laws that governs real estate.