It might also be advisable for you to hire your own attorney to negotiate with the city.

As for you and your parents arrangement, you may want to seek the advise of an attorney to determine your agreement between you and your parents regarding the money.The HELOC is relatively a simple process.

2) Since there will be at least one person trying to get that easy post to rack up their post tally by briefly and ambiguously  says "go see a state specific RE attorney," one tip that I would appreciate that comment at least say which state's laws I should be concerned about, and thus, know which state to find and attorney in?

I always suggest a good ERISA attorney to consult and set these up as there are issues that should be addressed at the outset as well as ongoing issues to remain in compliance.

I have been doing a lot of research on the best strategy, and it seems that every attorney/expert seems to contradict every other attorney/expert.

Not much for finding you a good deal.Understand involving a realtor is like calling an attorney and asking for advice. 

Then I watched a couple more videos that turned out to be promotional ads from "gurus" selling a MLO course, or an "attorney approved" MLO agreement for $197.

(Not to mention Court costs and Attorney fees...)Bankruptcy is a tool to help you get back on your feet.

Would someone who is actually lending as  a HML or PML in North Carolina have an attorney they have worked with to recommend. 

She has not produced any medical bills.She hired an attorney and now there is a law suite, demanding 18K, to make repairs to her condo which now includes the kitchen and laundry rm. floors and doors, which was not affected by the leak.