I would suggest doing these separately however since you will run into issues with a partial release clause on a blanket loan.

We are interested in using the equity for a real estate investment, and are looking for ideas, suggestions, or investors in similar situations.

We welcome any suggestions.

I’d suggest chatting with your friend about what’s been working for him, and maybe ask for some recommendations on building a solid local team3.

I’m a contrarian but I’d suggest Columbus.

I paid tax on it and mowed it about every 5 years so maybe put 10k into over the years.. deductive reasoning suggested city does not build and full blown interchange to go to nowhere. 

In addition, the company that they recommend we work with, Prime, helped me set up my companies and though I repeatedly asked them if there were any differences in how it was set up because I was a Canadian, I was told that the way they suggested I do it was the right way.

I just had a realtor come over who suggested I demo them and put in wall mounted armoires that have external doors that have doors at least 2'4" by 6'8" so that I would meet Oakland's definition for a closet and allow my bedrooms to meet Oakland Code and regain much needed floorspace and get much more efficient closets. 

I'd normally also suggest Marshall, Black Mountain, and Old Fort, but many of these towns were heavily impacted by Helene.

With regard to renovations, I always suggest taking incremental steps to bigger renovations or partnering with someone who has already done a renovation at that level.I've been known to just go for the big rehabs for my personal investments here in Chicago , and during that process, it's always more stressful than it needs to be...As far as navigating the competition, I've found the best thing I can do is get EXTREMELY CLEAR  on what I am looking for; then I am confident pulling the trigger quicky.