Having said that, I knew I am not effectively deploying my available resources so far by keeping debt free and leaving all my home equity 100% idle. 

It's a pretty tight market so I'd be curious to hear what kind of strategy you're looking to deploy. 

@Donald Shaver  It took me years to build up that war chest so I can deploy it and do it the right way. 

I have been deployed six times in five different countries, and I am really looking for some new opportunities so that I will never have to leave my family again.

My excuse currently is that I’m active duty military and I’m deploying this weekend for 6 months overseas.

So lets dive in and get you up to speed on what's happening; I am currently deployed overseas until mid 2019 with a substantial amount of cash saved up and want to put that towards proper investments while I am away, so when I return home real estate investing will be my sole focus.

I believe if you get deployed elsewhere that your selling fees are covered but verify this.Good luck

Should market turn or your vacancy goes up to 20-25% does that still pencil out given you are deploying most of your working capital.2) You mention your Real Estate agent is also the property manager.  

I am actually considering selling a solid performing property now in my Illinois portfolio so that I can re-deploy the equity.

The idea is this:  I might make $1,000/ month buying out of state in cash flow,  but I can deploy the same capital to make $3,000/ month in appreciation here in Oakland over the long term 10 - 20 year time horizon.