@James RobertSo basically, its just betting whether the property will appreciate more or less than what you can do/invest with the cash proceeds?

I wll keep you posted on my progress.

Networking with some local investors/contractors in the area who may have experience or knowledge in this area might be the best bet. 

A 401K loan would probably be your best bet since any interest you pay on the loan usually goes back into your 401K account so it's essentially interest-free.If that's not an option here's an interesting article about different funding options using retirement accounts: https://www.moneycrashers.com/401k-ira-withdrawal-...I'm not a tax or accounting professional and you should probably talk to one to get the best mitigation of potential tax liabilities.

Not a confluence of factors I would bet my money on.

I will bet I can send you some great deal, but you won't have the ability to know they are deals because you don't have the experience to do the math.The biggest problem both new and experienced investors have is nobody watches our backs because everyone has their own agenda and the greed more money.What you need is to do is; rather than banging your head against a concrete wall, post the properties you are looking at, write as much detail about each property as you can including rehab costs, rental income, how much you can increase rents and then let people give you their opinions and advice.Here is a serious problem with people who own their own business and then we wonder why some people are successful and why some are not. 

I would recommend re-posting what you shared in a local real estate forum althoug  speaking with an attorney who is familiar with the local land use and zoning processes is your best bet.

That you cannot help but you can bet the exhaust fan will be used more than if it was on a separate switch. 

Your best bet is to start learning as much as you can by reading through the site, books, and anything and everything you can get your hands on.

Also includes a few VA hours in the price to jump start your progress... that way it's not just a second job.