I am going to be applying for a home equity loan but my debt to income ratio is cutting it pretty close....

Eveyone cuts there grass.

My three all involve knowledge:1 - Market Analysi2 - How Money Works3 - REI/Business PlanI describe them as 3 equal pieces in a pie...with no cuts in the pie.

Once you do that you can then begin to invest anywhere in the country that makes scenes, possibly back in Wilmington NC.Time for you to cut your apron strings, if that is why you are living and working where you are, and join the real world.

It feels like no matter what I do I can't cut into the principal.

I'd assume some brokerages would be perfectly fine with having us under their wing if they got some % cut of the buyers' commission and don't have to do much of anything.  

If not that will cut into cashflow.  

After a few years of planning, we said our teary-eyed goodbyes as Kaleigh and Michael left Georgia for their property in Missouri that would be the setting where their dreams would play out.As Michael cut the trees and formed the logs that would become their cabin, Kaleigh worked on growing their collection of goats and chickens.

Make sure you clarify what will happen if they don't fulfill this duty.Here is an example from our rental agreement:1.LANDSCAPING/YARD CARE.Regular landscaping/yard care (mowing, edging, trimming, fertilizer, weed control) will be provided by _______________________.For all Tenants:a.Tenant agrees to keep yards, walkways, patios and decks clear and to keep premises free of junk and debris.b.Tenant accepts liability for all landscape damage and/or replacement of such, if caused by neglect, abuse or lack of water.c.Tenant may plant the beds adjacent to their dwelling to their liking, but only with those plants that are of appropriate size and type for the beds.All plants brought or caused to be brought to the property by Tenant will be cared for by Tenant.d.Tenant agrees not to cut or prune trees, hedges and shrubs.This will be Landlord’s responsibility.e.Tenant agrees to properly dispose of all plant debris and agrees to not leave such on the property.f.Landlord will consider special Tenant requests for planting and removal of plants, shrubbery and trees, but reserves the right to determine the make-up of the landscaping.For Tenants of single family homes only: a.Tenant agrees to mow, water, and keep the grass, lawn, flowers and shrubbery thereon in good order and condition, applying fertilizers and weed retardant as needed. b.If there is a failure of Tenant to keep the landscaping in good order and to follow these guidelines, Landlord reserves the right to hire a landscaping service at Tenant’s expense (after a 10-day notice to perform covenant).c.Landlord reserves the right to restore the landscaping to its initial condition, as it was at the time Tenant began occupancy, or if improved during Tenant’s occupancy, to the level of such improvement.

All of the weight cords have been cut.