So, here are my thoughts on WREIN: Positives: great networking with various REI women, access to women that are PMLs, some good training material (but mostly geared to Texas REI), motivational discussions, 4 months of working with their coaches online (who are very helpful and knowledgable)Cons: *high cost to participate (even when it was just $9700); when you take the $17 Masterclass, during the Masterclass, *they don't really give you a  good understanding of how much money it takes to get started; you will need to spend a considerable amount on marketing if you opt to do wholesaling or look for properties off the MLS to flip (be sure to do your research in advance), *they cannot give you specifics for your state and give you tons of disclaimers, so be aware that you will need to do additional research on your own. 

Since you already have significant equity and savings, you’re in a strong position to get started.

If they are in a challenging financial position, I might offer to assist with moving costs.

Was it a positive experience?

My favorite book and the one that got me started was Set For Life by Scott Trench (a Bigger Pockets book).Also, if you are in the position to do so, house hacking is a great way to get started! 

We also made a deal with the second position lender to get some of his invested capital back which would've been completely lost in the foreclosure process.

I am not really in a position to purchase my first property just yet, but I am getting all my financials in order and saving up to hopefully buy something next year.

I purchased a duplex in May of this year and moved into the bottom unit with the intention of renting the top unit as well as the sf I moved out of which would put me in positive cashflow (the top unit of the duplex does not cover the duplex mortgage entirely on its own). 

This may seem like a naive/juvenile question to someone of experience, and I'm new so here it goes.What positive/negative sides are there to having a lender who isn't local to the area I'm looking to purchase?

The second lien also means you’re in a junior position if the buyer defaults, so you’ll want to be aware of that risk too.Overall, owner financing can be a win-win, but it’s important to have everything structured properly to protect your interests.Cheers,William