. :) The home was just rented out today, but there were some minor issues found after the inspection earlier in the week.

The best advise would be to educate yourself as much as possible and try to network (as you are here) with like minded individuals and most IMPORTANTLY take action.

I spoke to a realtor today and she said the comps are that the rental property as is sells for around $70k-$85k.

So again, you need to decide for yourself what area of real estate you want to concentrate on first - get educated in it and start doing it, then pick up the next niche in RE and do the same, and so forth.

Today I was driving past one of my bandit sign locations.

Said his brother is having surgery today and he's taking a bus to see him. 

First keep educating yourself on content, then you may be able to pick a niche or investment style. 

If so that wouldn't fall under Dodd-Frank, but definitely make sure you know what you're doing...5-7 properties after a few weeks of real estate education is quite a bit.

But then a banker today told me to refinance my home and take it out of the equity.

So start with education and networking, and then move to the next step - looking for deals!