Due to seller's financial needs however, a full cash-out offer was ultimately agreed upon, and a conventional commercial loan with a 10 year term amortized over 25 years with 27% down was secured.

I am looking for a part time virtual assistant to help me grow my social media presence. 

For a traditional STR you might want a place with a cool spray painted wall to take pictures of and post to social media. 

Yet, social media (and BP) are full of statements like "but my buddy did lose 50 lbs by following..."

But what am I supposed to do in this situation that I'm in where I feel like I have no security that he has my best interests at heart?

They secure the money they lend to you with the asset.

I secured the HELOC and have been actively hunting for our first deal (my dad and I).

Typically these type of dispensaries have heavy security and I am not aware of there being any issues regarding theft, etc in the several years Colorado has had MJ approved for recreational use.

Money isn't abundant and I'm no where near financially secure.

That is what i'm seeing now, are you familiar with having a seasoned investor with those requirements sign as a "Guarantor'' on the loan to get qualified and secure the funding as a newbie investor?