@Steve Mitrano this thread got bumped up in my feed and looks like you found a resolution but just to add.  

Hope this helps, best of luck!

This is your investment.

How soon do you need to move on this?

.• This balloon payment will be paid through a cash-out refinance of an investment property valued at $198,000.7.

Assuming:40 hours: W2 job56 hours: Sleep21 hours: Basic daily tasks= 51 hours potential REI time💡 Pro Tip: It's not about finding time; it's about allocating the time you have strategically.🎯 Your 6-Month Timeline:Month 1: Foundation (5-7 hours/week)Morning routine: 1 hour daily market researchEvening routine: Deal analysis practiceWeekend: BP forums & networkingKey Goal: Analyze 10 deals on paperMonth 2: Education (8-10 hours/week)Complete 1 RE courseJoin 2 local REI groupsSchedule lunch breaks with agentsKey Goal: Build your initial power team listMonth 3: Systems (10-12 hours/week)Set up deal tracking systemCreate document templatesEstablish banking relationshipsKey Goal: Ready to make offersMonth 4: Lead Generation (12-15 hours/week)Drive neighborhoods after workWeekend open housesSetup automated MLS alertsKey Goal: Generate first 5 qualified leadsNow, the Owners and Brokers you deal with may not enjoy this, but you can certainly "practice" making offers.  

Let me know if you need any tips on working with contractors or setting expectations.

I have done my research but at the end of the day, I am looking for what locals are seeing with their own eyes happening to the Akron market.

In fact, according to the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), over the past five years, home prices nationwide have risen by 57.4% (see map below):This appreciation means your house is likely worth much more now than when you first bought it.2.

@Stanley Nguyen there really isn't a way around this.