For my own personal goal reasons, I am going to still with searching for a lender who will be open to it.

My goal is to establish mutually beneficial relationships that enhance both their careers and mine.I look forward to connecting with like-minded individuals and teams passionate about success in real estate.

Starting locally vs. out of state:I always recommend starting locally if it aligns with your goals.

What’s your primary goal for the cash-out refinance?

Once you're ready, create a goal (e.g., "I will buy at least one single-family home, duplex, triplex, or fourplex before the end of 2019") and then do it.

Let’s make 2025 the year you crush your deal-finding goals.

Cash flow of $150-$300 per month is pretty common for many new investors, and whether it's 'worth it' depends on your long-term goals.

@Tatum Littleton, I appreciate your welcome and reassurance that we are choosing a good starting place. 

Leave the owners alone, when and if they are ready to sell, they will, and there will be plenty of lots to choose from on the MLS.I have no statistics to back this up, but in my casual observation after our fire is about 1/3 of the owners rebuilt their homes (some built similar, some duplicated exactly--big mistake, and some built better/nicer/larger homes). 

Comes down to personal values, goals, risk tolerance, and time.