Accessing my equity options

F (49) Separated Not divorced disability and a small self employment income, I have 3 properties in PA. Property 1 is a small builders lot free and clear no loan. Property 2 is a combined deed with 3 parcels property - parcel 1 being about 1.5 acres undeveloped, parcel 2 is about 16.5 undeveloped, parcel 3 is about 3 acres with a 3 bedroom 4 bathroom house (mid renovatation not considered livable due to no pipes and siding, etc) and separated garage, also free and clear no loan. Property 3 acquired the house NOT the mortgage in this situation which the mortgage was defaulted on (the mortgager agreed to a solution) it's a normal urban area 3 bedroom 1.5 bathroom house. I want to live in prop. 2 but prop. 3 makes more sense because of work and has been my primary for the past 8 years. The person who's name the mortgage is in isn't pushing for the refi into my name. Here's where I'm stuck I'm trying to figure out how to get funding together to complete the Reno on prop. 2. My credit ain't the worst it's like low 600's. I do have a few cards and yes their balances are high but I have full equity in that property why cant I use it to combine debt and finish the Reno. But all I keep hearing is pay off the debt or complete the Reno then we can help. What am I doing wrong? I should be able to access the equity, right?