Whom would I have to speak to about helping me understand what ''using the equity in your business'' means? 

Quote from @Jay Hinrichs: thats basic list one can add.Value add /  New construction / land entitlements/ Timber / Minerals/ Lendingetc etc.. far more ways to actually make money than just buy and wait for rental income to payoff debtl  Good old sweat equity still works  ;)

Even this is an incomplete list.Worst of all, the main reason not to make this loan is that you will not hold a first position-lien against the property.

So as @Melanie P. said, any positive cash flow is enough. 

That's a big part of it for me - the equity capture at the buy.

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You are giving up most of the equity for taking no risk and doing no work. 

that we’ve learned in our 24 years, managing almost 700 doors across the Metro Detroit area, including almost 100 S8 leases:Class A Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, 3-5 years for positive cashflow, but you get highest relative rent & value appreciation.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, 5% the more recent norm.Tenant Pool: Majority will have FICO scores of 680+ (roughly 5% probability of default), zero evictions in last 7 years.Class B Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, decent amount of relative rent & value appreciation.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, 5% should be applied only if proper research done to support.Tenant Pool: Majority will have FICO scores of 620-680 (around 10% probability of default), some blemishes, but should have no evictions in last 5 yearsClass C Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, high cashflow and at the lower end of relative rent & value appreciation.

I think RI will continue to appreciate and over time as you(tenants) pay down the mortgage creating more equity.

When you position yourself as the solution—not just someone looking for deep discounts—you’ll find opportunities others miss.What’s the most surprising profit you’ve made on a move-in ready property others overlooked?