SUBSTANTIALLY.I highly recommend tapping into your equity and accumulating some more assets at these prices, you will thank yourself in 3 years.The best and most cost effective way to do so is a simple cash out refinance, I don't think you should touch your primary, but leverage your investments for sure.

Do you have a recommendation on how to find local investor friendly agents or where to find wholesalers in my market? 

Returning, recommendations, Street presence, etc. to where it feeds itself. 

tbd Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?

I’d recommend starting slow with one 2-4 unit using leverage and see if you even like being a landlord.

For example, I would recommend touching base with local landlords in the market you're wanting to do section 8 investing in to get a feel for how the local section 8 office handles landlord/office relationships. 

Are there tools (i.e RentRedi) that you recommend using for LTR tenant screening, rent collection, background checks, etc?

Talk to your insurance provider about your concerns and they can recommend the right coverage.

There is a $200 cancellation fee to cover the extensive materials and supplies we give you when you join. 

Any recommendations?