Problem is we have limited experience in real estate and we do not know many investors.  

In theory I could use the HELOC that is available to me (limited) to pay off existing mortgages on 2 of my other properties, but that seems a bit like churning assets - the true intention of accessing credit is to buy other properties outright with cash.

If the stone itself is in decent shape I would get one of these really powerful powerwashers they now have and clean it.

Then, even if you get the loan you are limited by debt to income ratio ? 

Right now All of my real estate investments focus on investing in turn key properties and becoming a limited partner in syndications.

The private money loan option will significantly reduce cash flow but would allow me to retain 100% ownership and decision making power.

Is there maybe another workaround to this (hiring an agent in some sort of limited capacity?

As a broker my book is predominately more on the institutional side with power centers and grocery anchored centers.

I've had limited success with this, and you may get someone to give you more specifics on timelines. 

I did limited research where to move, but I absolutely knew we didn’t want to live in IL and pay ridiculous property taxes ($850 p/mth, 2,200 sq ft home).