@Daniel Godbout as I understand it your are correct. 

This would include doing mainly flips so i can get a solid return from that money or possibly even doing private money lending. 

Form my understanding or lack of understanding, you're not.Just don't see it as a prudent way to deploy $8mil in capital if you don't have the network. 

If you want to operate from a place of logic you need to understand REI requires money.

It’s an interesting approach, but ensuring a strong screening process and a legally solid agreement is key.

PM me and I can send you my template for this.Before I started handling these myself, I used: George Gibbs who's based in Charlotte but works state wide from what I understand.

I would say Dallas is a solid place to start right now.4) Once I've lived in the property for the obligatory year, is that typically long enough to refinance and use HELOC towards my next property? 

I understand that they operate in real estate under one of a few exemptions from registering as a security with the SEC.

We weren't willing to take that risk.My wife operated our first home and after a few months we found a really solid knowledgeable manager who took over operations while still working closely with my wife. 

Leverage & Portfolio GrowthInvesting in a solid multi-unit property allows you to leverage your capital into an appreciating asset that generates cash flow.