Also, I think there will be more chances to fail and more time to recuperate if the money you put away for your first REI didn't come out as expected, specially with recurring debts, for a first investment. 

Prices have gone up and beyond at this point so I do not really anticipate much return bur rather, just recuperate some operating costs. 

Did you somehow recuperate your money? 

Take your 25K and invest it in a cheap property that you can practice if you are new to Real Estate and if it does not work you still have the property you sell it and recuperate your invested money your money stays in your pocket and there is a big chance with a profit ask to biggerpockets what to do if you do not knowI do not believe in GURUS It is opt to you.

This is how a BRRRR should work and using leverage correctly leaves more cash available for other deals while you're rehabbing AND you still get to recuperate your initial investment (with some nice profits also). 

What was your overall COC Return and were you able to recuperate all funds with cashout refi?

Owners are going to want to recuperate all the lost capital.

If you want to attempt to recuperate some of what you paid, I would bring all the documentation you have to a lawyer and see what your best options are.