My concern is doing the cash out refi on my other rental and causing a new and much higher payment on it that I can't just pay off like a loan.

After selling the property, my real estate investing journey went on hold for several years while my family grew to a wife and three beautiful daughters. 

Selling and move on.  

I'm planning on putting 25% down because that is a requirement of the loan.

Others have hit it on the head.

Hi Jonathan,Congrats on your first big renovation deal—it’s an exciting challenge!

I also have a $175,000 line of credit ready if something catastrophic happens.

I’m going to do some research on that.

Your financial background is a huge asset, and it’s great that you’re starting locally in Milwaukee while keeping an eye on future expansion.If you’re looking to connect with like-minded investors, the Rental Property Association of Wisconsin is a fantastic resource for networking with rental portfolio owners, accessing legal resources, and finding contractors. https://www.aasew.org/For mentors, funding sources, and flippers, the Milwaukee REIA is another great group to explore. https://www.milwaukeereia.com/I’m a member of both and find unique value in each—maybe we’ll cross paths at a future meeting!

In addition, they connected me to the preferred lenders who also helped with closing on the property within a short period time.