Fortunately, we eventually got them out as the placed needed significant reno.I haven't rented to section 8 again, but I'm not totally against it. 

Though I'm biased as I am a total buy-and-hold-type investor. 

It appears that I can refinance (no cash out) to an interest rate of 4.8% however with the remaining balance on the mortgage that I would be borrowing my total payment will drop to $1,787.00 per month and I will no longer have PMI. 

If you can find a reasonable place to rent, it might pay to postpone buying a home until you get a bit ahead financially.The Total Money Makeover by Dave RamseyI know his views can be seen as extreme, and I am not sure that I would not get into debt ever at all, but I still think focusing on getting out of and staying out of personal debt (that of course, does not cashflow) is a great way to pave your path to wealth.If you have not read these books, I highly recommend you do, and listening to the Money Show here on BP will also give you a wealth of information regarding personal finance and Financial Independence.Best of luck to you!

But that’s totally okay.

Here's my concern:If I put 10,000 into a mutual fund this month and $50 each month after that (total of $9k), in 15 years I would have about $34,000.

Hard money lenders won’t go low enough for the amount I need (65k total for purchase of 35 and rehab) or want 15k in liquid assets!

It is totally transparent to you and does not impact your return in any way, other than your cost for servicing.

If not, totally cool! 

Don't let that number 1 be the total number of posts here.