I am also looking for a lender willing to re-fi (through a HELOC-type loan) investment properties in Illinois. 

The properties are generating positive cash flow and owned by US permanent residents/citizens who live here in Australia (no other US income besides rental income). We are looking to get the capital we used for acquisition back out to the investor, but still want to hold on to the properties long term for purposes of cash flow and appreciation. 

We have looked at conventional lending sources, like the big banks, and generally run into trouble with the requirement that the rental income be stable for 2 years prior to lending.  As these acquisitions were made in late 2011, with rentals beginning early 2012, we don't have the income length that they are looking for.  Hoping to find some other lending sources that might have different guidelines. 

TIA.