I am curious if you had to invest any of your own money in the form of equity or to pay for some of the remodeling.

This will cost you money on the back end.

Quote from @Antoine Black: I have a house that free and clear and I'm trying to tap in the equity can any one help  Hey Antoine, As Mike stated, your best bet is a local credit union.

If you like the home, area etc, you could refi and pull out the same amount of money.

What happens if you need or want to refi or even sell?

Even if the listing price is attractive, a higher flood insurance premium can make the property less affordable compared to a home outside the flood zone.

One small point of criticism; we were there in the winter and in the evening a lot to play a game or watch TV.

And Point of Sale, don't even get me started on that Communist BS. 

I buy real estate but I carry debt which is actually tax deductible, my money works for me.

Even if they do have 20 years experience...how do you know really?