Real estate agents and agencies will always tell a client to buy, and it's always a good time.

M1 has already provided fantastic value for me and I don't plan on backing out.Hey great feedback I am all for it if you get value..

This means finding reliable contractors, inspectors, and, if necessary, real estate agents who understand the flipping process.

Our lot is fenced in and we cannot see where he lives but close enough to be of concern, but we want to stay in the same town until the kids are finished school.So, my question is this, would it make sense to rent our home (roughly $2300-2500/mo. as per real-estate agent claims), with the stipulation that the garage is used for my business AND buy a home nearby?

I'd also ask if you've confirmed with the agent the seller will consider only selling you 4 of the 6 (unless you have someone else that will buy the other 2)?

I would look FAR AND WIDE for someone to do an investment property HELOC -OR- go to a bunch of banks and CUs (including who you bank with now) to find someone to provide an unsecured (or secured if you have other collateral) LOC to get rid of the high int debt.

great advice provided - what I will add to this is if you have smokers and its not allowed I would offer to allow them out of the lease with no penalty. 

Spreading funds across 2-3 properties could provide diversification and steady cash flow.

I personally feel that this window provides a good hedge without being too expensive.

Allocate equity based on contributions: you provide the $235K HELOC and management, while your former boss contributes renovation expertise and labor.