Andrew to be fair I think the buy a house with instant equity ship has sailed unless they are like you and these investor reside there have the ability to source pay cash hire their own crews etc and thereby EARN equity..

Once you feel comfortable, then jump ship to a cheaper brokerage. 

However, they don't have any employees, and very rarely have customers stop in to pick up orders.  99% of everything is marketed online, sold, and shipped out. 

I guess I should have added I replaced the water heater as soon as I took owner ship of the home it decided to leak out.

Like a large ship at sea though they require lots of time and sea room to turn and maneuver and when they sink it takes forever but you have absolutely no control over that sinking process.You lose some direct key benefits with REITs as well. 

My real passion is Shipping Container Homes.

I was on cruise control and quite honestly got a little over confident in my abilities and knowledge.

He said he will want his luggage, BMW, and some furniture shipped here before he moves in (at HIS expense.)

The only thing that could sink this ship is employment. 

Did you have to pay for shipping?