The main thing is not to use the HELOC for long term funds because you don't want to continue paying the interest on it if you can prevent it.

Hoping to use cashflow from the investment to help fund my living expenses and build equity through appreciation.  

Am I better off concentrating on looking for my first purchase in Delaware due to affordability, or should I save more funds first to be able to afford a more expensive purchase in southeast PA?

HOW can I get funding for 915k!?

Our goal is to do flips 100% of the time but being self funded we can't pivot to a new job without the most recent one selling, so in between jobs we continue GC work for clients.

The appraisal should be coordinated by the bank that is loaning the funds for the purchase.I would strongly recommend using a buyer's agent, and they might also be able to verify that you are paying a fair price, and handle all of the nuances of the sale (purchase agreement, inspection, might be able to recommend a title company for the closing, etc).

On the other hand, it can fund moderate renovations, it seems.

An old timer I've been trying to buy some plexes from for years was pushing me to buy some new builds he funded in Ephrata over lunch last month.   

Not that I pay myself as it is now but just getting the funds to make repairs would be an extra hassle.

and looking to get HVAC done as well but starting to run low on funds.