Regardless of what is thought of this path, I'm having a hard time grasping what cash out refi is and why it's beneficial outside of tax free financing for cap ex.

I feel like I have a good grasp on things being a fast learner and avid researcher but that cannot be substituted for REAL EXPERIENCE.

Those are largely the same for investments as for your own home.As you read and study, you'll start getting a grasp of the basic ideas.

If you do car loans, you need to understand the car business.There is a general "check list" for due diligence, but if you don't really understand the conventional aspects, you'll never recognize those small apparent issues that need to be further investigated, as to why, when, what does that effect, to grasp the risks involved.      

No agent could grasp that I didn't want a contractual listing heading into winter.

Some things are hard to grasp until you feel the pain. it is under public water and sewer.

I have a good grasp on what other houses in the area are equipped with and stick to much the same.

You sound like you have a firm grasp on your investment plans.

I deal with food stamp recipients all the time so I have a good grasp of who they are.

When you focus on one market it's easier to get a grasp of neighborhoods and with real estate being a block-by-block business it's important to have that focus.