@Colleen F. I

My "mentor" told me to stop chasing FI and to get a secure job.

If this too is a lost cause, like househacking is, you'd better take real estate off the table as a lever to pull to get you to financial independence.There seem to be a number of obstacles standing between you and the well-known, proven paths to FI that begin and end with the woman you want to take along with you on this journey.

I got divorced in 2014 gave my ex the house but if she sold it I got half the profit, if she kept it she had to re-fi it into her name. 

I wonder if @Jay Hinrichs knows anything about lending in SC. I

If she were to do a cash out re-fi and I’m assuming there will be fees and closing costs but she would essentially be entitled to a large lump sum???

Would it be better to “re-fi” with a blanket type Mortage product?

Since you are holding title in LLC, you won't be able to use a conventional/conforming lender to re-fi...you need to hold title in your name.The alternative is to seek private or other financing.My opinion is that how successful you are in this industry has nothing to do with how many units you own...the power of free and clear is really amazing when you consider it...

Hence the FI/RE penny pinching and frugality that he finds silly.  

I currently focus on Dividend investing, however that is a very long term investments and will take 30-40 years (if i am lucky to hit my FI goal).