HELOC = 5%, Cash is earning = 1% (but can save you from trouble costing 10%, e.g), refi cash out primary, $5k to close, ...Then consider the risk of each.  

I am an educator by profession, but with the birth of my first child and a growing desire for financial freedom, I've begun to do a lot of research into the opportunities available within real estate investing.  

We earn our money making loans and getting paid back.

Situations like this is where a good realtor really earns her pay!

And heck, I WANT to lend my $$ to people to earn a higher rate of return, but saving $$ is certainly my first choice for the world..

Borrowing is not earning and buying does not guarantee performance!  

I am a wholesaler in search of partners, cash buyers, and people wanting to further their knowledge of RE and earn $$$ as well.

They may be more accurate in other areas but for instance, in my area the school my own kids go to is rated pretty poorly even though it's one of the most, if not THE most, desireable schools in the city.

The actual dollar value of homes sold in 2015 was less than 2014 so if an agent earned more in 2015 than in 2014 it was because they took sales from other agents.

Your even learning while you earn.