Since this is about buying real estate, or finding real estate deals, I put it into this forum section.I'm been a software developer all my life, been programming since I was 10, founded a few tech companies and sold them before jumping into real estate.

Knowing what I know about the region from real estate and tech industry news, which is just enough to be dangerous, I would not take any equity out.

and does not bode welll for the Tech Industry which is a MAJOR driver of values in the SF Bay area.

I am not aware of any free services but my phone provider is cheap and has this functionality if you are somewhat tech savvy. 

Some people just aren't tech savvy no matter what age.

I grew up in NJ, lived in Charleston, SC for a while, and went to Virginia Tech (Go Hokies!)

Yes, Silicon Valley has been perpetually 'Hot', due to the high tech jobs and life style in the area. 

Last time I used them was 3 yrs ago...and for the young folks and Millennial's and in this fast paced high tech world 3 years is like 100yrs.

Business wise KC is part of the Silicon Prairie, tons of tech start ups and Google fiber chose it as their first fiber city. 

You may have more luck with the smaller one-man type shops than the big ones that have a dozen techs and a nice office.Depending on what kind of furnace you have now, and how much room there is, you might be able to leave the old furnace right where it is.