I wouldn't mind not being in a class A area if I was single, but once you have a family it's different. 

I look forward to connecting and working with like minded people!

Stay educated through books, podcasts, local meetups, and online communities like BiggerPockets.

I have $10,500 to my name and want to invest it and put my money to work; however, I don't mind spending a few dollars on a reliable course or towards my financial education.

If they don't want to sell for sentimental reasons, you are not going to change their mind.

Personally a cash-out refi could help me get more quickly into all-cash BRRRs or a REI venture in Spain, however I don't know to what extent this is at the expense of rental cash flows, and what is the wiser decision long term.I've combed through posts online and looked for Excel templates to run some calcs and get a sense, but nothing really filled the void... 

Check the in person events and meetups in your local area, our online community is full of knowledge and folks willing to share and still nothing replaces the opportunity to interact IRL, you never know who you will meet and where that can take you on your REI journey.

Mind you I was fortunate to work for a company whose leadership is recognized as some of the most brilliant real estate minds in the business.   10+ years into this business I now appreciate the advice given to me at the time and my message to you is the same advice given to me.

Check out other online guides available here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/guides3.

I think the house has to be selected with Section 8 in mind.