You'll just have to be more critical about the deals you buyOne thing I would say though is I wouldn't quit your job just yet.

The timing on meeting the appraisal and loan contingency period is critical on purchase transaction so that you won't put your initial deposit at risk.Good luck.

While not everything you learn in school is applicable, you do learn a lot such as communicating, networking, critical thinking etc.

Those two books/disciplines are critical to your true success. 

Getting connected with a good engineer is critical to your success. 

I am looking for a critical critique of my plan and what you would do differently.

If the repairs and upgrades to your home are not critical, I would consider delaying the heloc/refi and just saving up the money you need to make the repairs.

After discussing, decided our debt exposure was the most critical item we could address. 

I mean that as a lesson, not a criticism.

Managing expectations and putting together the right pricing strategy for the area/market is a critical skill for listing agents and your agent should be helping you put together the right strategy!