My agent is saying that we are unable to split the contract that way (or reduce the purchase price), so I'm trying to figure out options.

Whether it’s for startup costs, equipment, or marketing, leveraging your home’s value can help bring your entrepreneurial goals to life.Bottom LineWhether you’re thinking about selling, upgrading, or simply want to understand your options, your home equity is a powerful resource.

We were thinking about this now because it's hard to find good deals in our price range, so thought it might be easier to put it into a bigger deal but sounds like that's not such an option. 

I don't necessary want to quit my job but having the option to do so is desired.

Fortunately at my rate they have some cash flow and good appreciation.The rates make it rare that the brrrr is the best option available.  

Staging your house well can help you attract more attention from buyers, which ultimately helps it sell faster and maybe for a higher price than an unstaged home (see visual):What Are My Staging Options?

This is true whether those clients were on the optional recordkeeping program or not.I don't have a lot of details and am not personally involved in this program in any way, but I have experience with SEPiraK separately and they are a quality operation.You can reach out to info at sepirak dot com to learn more. 

Do you see them as a viable option early on, or is it better to avoid them altogether?  

Home 1 is ideal for a fix-and-flip loan to fund the remaining $90K, which I can help you evaluate options.

There are more options, but this is sufficient to answer your question.