Sounds like a cash out refinance would be the best way to tap into that equity. 

so after reading all the comments it just sounds like make sure i have lenders that's okay with rural areas

Does this sound like a deal worth pursuing for cash flow?

Not sure how many PMCs you've had bad experiences with, but we'll take exception to:"Then do a thorough research on tenant applicants (note: leaving this to a PM may be hazardous to your financial health)".BP seems to have more threads about screening mistakes by DIY landlords as opposed to PMCs.Now, if you'd have mentioned Maintenance, you'd get no argument from me:) Even the PMC industry acknowledges maintenance as one of the biggest challenges.Rereading my post, I kinda see how I sounded negative toward PMs.  

(As appealing as that sounds)  Then you countersue them.

It sounds like you are investigating the DSCR route due to lack of investment funds. 

Matt that is the NMLS number for the company not for you personally  sounds like your a VA or something not a licensed lender..

At this stage, the main thing we need is for me to get back into the workforce and get some money coming in, in order to achieve that dream.With that in mind, my immediate goal is to gain employment in the field of property management, as opposed to wasting my time working in another field that is not associated with real estate.

Sounds like he was feeding you a line of garbage. 

We were very clear that we were looking for strategies and why and it all sounded good in the initial interview.