@Steffany Boldrini As a lesson to other people hiring interior decorators online, can you please tell everyone what caution flags should have told you not to hire this person?

I would personally use some of that equity and get started with your first property.

What made you think this person had no experience whatsoever and didn't own their own home? 

Since the LTV on the hard money loan is high , I would personally purchase it using a bank statement loan at 85% LTV (15 percent down) and, as you mentioned, just use your cash for the rehab.

Trust me, I have been there.I suggest you try to House hack in cities that you are already familiar with and have some connection with.Hire a great investor agent in that market and ask them all your questions and concerns.That I believe is the best way to get personalized advice tailored to your goals and lifestyle.You giving out Cleeveland and Toledo on your post will only attract biased opinions and advise.Only you know what you truly like, want, and can deal with.As Nicolas said, read this post and comments and hope that gives you a new perspective. https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/12/topics/1215726-break...https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/963/topics/1195280-expe...https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/48/topics/1137397-balti...Goodluck and keep us posted.

This reminds me of a police officer  pulling somebody over without reasonable cause and asking to search their vehicle and if the person does not consent, they’re saying you must have something to hide.

I've consistently written about the forces of nature and her current and future effects on the real estate market (even while often being ridiculed and politicized on this very site for it) regardless: I personally moved and invested in coastal Oregon in 2018 from Venice Beach Los Angeles partly as a result of the trajectory of climate and have assisted several clients that specifically purchased on the Oregon Coast for their own 'climate havens,' investment and future retirement homes. 

Note, I am not looking for a syndicate to BRRR or rent of some sort.Experience: I have personally bought an old home on a 8,000 sq ft lot, rezoned it to two 4,000 sq ft lots with a family member.

If a person wants a different outcome, they usually do something different.

I know one person that did this recently and was able to negotiate no money down and 12% over 5 years but this was probably in the mid west.