I tried to put the pieces together to build a solid team out there but it's really tough unless you have someone local to help you run it or are willing to drive back and forth.

In terms of using home equity, you would either have to take out the money using a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) or you could do a cash-out refinance.

They are well known and are very tough markets to find deals that pencil out. 

@Peter Dukaj There are some of those products out there, though they are usually reserved for experienced developers with decent net worths. 

-To your success, Zach Lemaster, CEO Rent To Retirement---https://www.biggerpockets.com/business/page/3497https://www.biggerpockets.com/users/ZacharyCole/referenceshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/92/topics/765347-rent-to-retirement-reviewhttps://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/850/topics/895660-my-first-investment-property-an-out-of-state-dealhttps://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/88/topics/1047543-big-profits-from-new-construction-sfr-build-in-cape-coral-flhttps://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/92/topics/983659-first-investment-property-with-rent-to-retirement?

Good luck, and feel free to reach out for more advice!

For your mortgage, a 30-year loan will give you lower monthly payments, which could be ideal while starting out.

Probate 2. pre-foreclosure 3. trust/estate (could be nitched out of probate due to the different messaging)4.

What tips or advice do you have for someone just starting out?

Once they're done, you can rent out the property, refinance,  and cash them out.