I have worked for a property management company, which was a great experience for me to learn a lot about the real estate field.

@James Williams   The very best way to answer all your questions is to Simply waltz into your nearest C 21 or Keller Williams or Re max office and speak to the recruiting broker tell them that you want to pursue a career in RE and they will answer all your questions help you get started with the education etc etc. 

I personally discuss investing in real estate though a transient career, self managing long distance, turning personals into rentals, etc.

Welcome @James Tsuffis , I am a new to this business as well, looking to purchase a duplex, triplex, fourplex to start my real estate career- from Sherman Oaks area.Good luck !   

I am currently an officer in the Marine Corps and I am leaving active duty to pursue another career in Washington, DC. 

Not an easy task as over the years, I have developed an ability to borrow private funds or do JV deals so I had never taken out a hard money loan and with all the lenders in this field, options are almost unlimited for a person at my level.As to the wholesaler, for once, I found a deal that hit my desk where true value was added.

REI is "Field of Dreams" true...if you find them, they will come. 

My husband is active duty military so he has a very transient career.

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@Brie Schmidt discusses how budgeting could assist you with your $10k effort.Consider reviewing craigslist for your area as a resource to confirm available area rents, as does @Michele Bruce per her podcast.We don't give away fee to PMs for tenant sourcing or screening.You'll need a relationship with your tenant and it should begin before you agree to have them rent your place.Landlord work early in an investing career tends not to be an arms length effort.Be wary of trying to make it so for any stage.Yours is likely not really a question as to what to do with the equity you have in the home but more as to whether you want to be a landlord and whether your market is tenant rich.Good luck.