I'll add a few more things that can have a huge financial impact: required reserves, LTC (loan to cost), application or other upfront fees, and prepayment penalties.As a fellow flipper, I think it's important to have reserves, but they shouldn't be required as part of your funding.

If you need financial help, ask under the "Finance, Tax, and Legal" forum.

I am a newbie in this realm and looking forward to learning all I can in this endeavor of becoming financially independent.

It will also be dependent on the previous year's financials as well.

If you're already in a secure financial position, leveraging your equity could be a smart strategy.

Something to dive deeper with a financial/loan professional.

It's such a broad question that it's hard to answer.My original intent was financial freedom for my family.

However, sometimes investing is more than just the financial return.  

Without having much info, I would need to know the financial situation of the 'close family' to determine a best approach.

I was able to become financially independent in 2 years with two properties.