I am looking for a reputable RE agent that can accompany me, preferably someone experienced with out of state investors, and who has an "inspector" mindset.

If you have any cash flow after paying the bills and setting aside funds for future expenses, you can either pull it out or (preferably) hold it for a future purchase in the checking account or in the savings account.I prefer holding funds in the savings account, even money for future purchases.

Refi is preferable if the money being accessed is for longterm purposes (ie buy/hold) and you plan to purchase another investment soon whereas a Heloc is preferable for short-term use (flip, rehab, etc.) and/or you want the ability to pull the trigger in the perhaps distant future if/when a deal presents itself.

This book helped me focus on the apartment complex niche of real estate.

Benjamin,Do you want to be close to work or would prefer something with a livelier feel, like downtown? 

Maybe even try a real estate attorney, I prefer working directly with them vs a title company anyway.

Aside from understanding how to build the buildings and how much they cost, you'll need to know how to understand how to analyze deals at a higher level to see if they make sense - what are the rents/sales you expect to achieve, what are your financing costs, what's the timeline....I would strongly suggest taking real estate and/or corporate finance classes as well - preferably as a minor if you're able to.  

That’s not how we roll, so I prefer to have most removed before closing if possible.

I know the hype has been for a while in these areas but as a out-of-state investor I would still prefer "safer" places.  

i prefer them to ghost paid in full than live there rent free waiting on the court.