I feel like this industry can be extremely rewarding.

However I am an extreme newbie and I've never bought a house or watched someone go through the process.

I get extremely aggravated by someone in a suit that has no idea what there doing, You can see BS coming from a mile away.

@Kelly McMillan  unfortunately pits and large dogs get an extremely bad rap because they are stereotyped.

Any insight into which approach offers the best tax advantage would be extremely appreciated!

@Ramsey Howard I find the HELOC to be an extremely strong tool, IF it is large enough and your market does not support long bank approval processes. 

We also won't be closing until mid October (appraisals are extraordinarily backed up) and I'm nervous about doing exterior work in a PNW winterAnyway, I'm going back and forth between both extremes here and I'm wondering what you guys think

If you need the money withdrawals are extremely stiff penalties.

Any knowledge or ideas are extremely helpful

Based on the ARV you mentioned I would say 60k is probably low and extremely low if you don't have a fair contractor you could trust.