I work for Torelli Investment Realty in Arroyo Grande and we specialize in helping people buy and sell multi family properties from 3 units all the way up to high as one would like to go.

If she had told me and trusted me from the beginning, I probably could have helped her get the business off to a grand start.

Could I then turn around and do a cash out for 80k, and basically make 30 grand in liquid?

I know this from personal experience with my grand parents and parents. 

for the near future - ideally i'd be interested in even the next step: of having my own website where applicants apply directly online so if u know of a comprehensive property management web designer than can install streamline application initiation, credit checking, document scanning in, reference checking checklist, etc do chime in or refer someone good that aint gonna cost over a grand or so!

But if you have no knowledge of real estate and think you can buy your way in with a weekend seminar then who is the fool   this business takes some time to learn then hone your skills a weekend is just going to point you in the right direction hopefully and for a few grand that's OK to... and for some the 40k is OK as long as you can afford it...

We "won" the lawsuit, and everyone got 10 grand back, but then shortly after had assessments equaling $10 grand anyway.......  

In my case Reflecting back with my Grand-Daughter who just came home from college , she had asked me What and Where contributed to you finding Deals the Most ?

If after going thru the numbers with your seller, they still feel your initial offer is too lowball, I would look their motivation, perhaps come up with a counter offer that's a couple of grand higher and take a lower fee for the sake of closing the deal.

Well my dream home was built in 1920, and in my opinion, is a grand old home.