You'd get a MUCH better return on your money than a bank account and close to index funds.

It's all good Josh.My first post did get indexed by google and I got an alert on it. :)

I don't even know how all of that works and really it doesn't matter to me.If you post quality content over time it seems to get indexed high in Google in organic searches.

I even watch too many things like even the Baltic Dry index as to winds that will effect us.

Public information in the superior court indexes for California unlawful detainers are not available until 60 days after the filing (per state code).  

I am looking for friendly advice as I (and we) begin this process.I have educated myself in other areas of personal finance (tax efficient index fund investment, retirement accounts, etc), and would be happy to pass on whatever knowledge I have to someone who wanted advice on that aspect of investing as well!

I've done these loans on 401k, Vanguard Mutual Fund accounts, Indexed Whole Life Insurance policies, etc. 

Areas like Garland, Rockwall, Forney,  Heartland have houses in these price points with good rent index. 2 things concern me with your plan.

Mutual or index funds are probably best bet

Part of me just wants to chuck all my money in an index fund.