Jared, I host Black Diamond with free events in Waltham and Worcester, our next meeting is Oct 18 in Worcester, and the topic is Dealing with Contractors. 

I assume you mean to say that you registered yourself with your state comptroller (or Sec of State) for Doing Business As (DBA) some fictitious name.For your DBA activity, use Schedule C (1040) on your personal tax return to report your business income and expenses. 

I've only been to the Huntsville meetings so far. 

I never saw that property until recently, but I was confident in the operator after meeting with them and had the inspector to analyze the renovations. 

I had that freedom before the financial crisis as I was self employed making great money, no boss or schedule.

I want to meet new people, learn from them and then hustle to build my real estate portfolio!  

Let the bank tell you if they would consider a cash out refi on the deal your looking at.I have never done one (disclaimer) and I'm sure someone that has will come along but in the mean time start calling banks find one that will meet your criteria.

@Mark Ainley, I'm looking forward to learning more about GC in the coming weeks and hope I get a chance to meet you when I come to meet with Bryan.

Some great local meet ups are in our general area so you can start networking and learning more about REI.  

Further more, find and connect with other BP members that are in your area: http://www.biggerpockets.com/meet