Its simply a mechanism for allocating property distributions and tax attributes in a manner other than a simple pro rata approach.

A great buyers agent will be able to help you fine tune your strategy, highlight market trends, knows where and what to look for, hook you up with the best lenders, inspectors, contractors, etc, get you the full background on a property and the sellers, knows how a particular property compares to other deals and what a great deal looks like, identify untypical risks and knows what to look for before you waste time and money on an offer & homeinspection just to cancel the deal later, get the lowest possible offer accepted, oversee the transaction and handle all the paperwork, including title work and appraisal, knows how to approach a short sale differently from a REO, negotiate inspections and repairs successfully and help you make more money, safes you time and lower your risk every step of the way.Sounds like you signed with someone who provides value by knowing lockbox numbers?

My current utilization is about 10% with a credit limit approaching $250k . 

I see no redeeming value of this approach. 

Wholesaling is a different approach and is full time endeavor and is really designed to replace your income versus buying and holding is building long term wealth.Challenges with flipping on its own is it can be hard to find good enough deals to get in and get out in less than a few months and if you do that you get killed in taxes and closing costs.

Obviously if you are fine with the income generated from the houses you own then being paid off is probably the better approach.

I have startup capital at my disposal (low 6 figures) and a practical approach to purchasing and selling.

That seems like a good route to take as you and Jaysen are recommending the same approach.  

I hate to burst your bubble, but...fair warning, I'm approaching you with a very sharp object.1 - Your priorities are skewed2 - Setting an ultimatum of "6 months" to get your first deal, can only lead to trouble...and result in you taking the best deal (even if it's a bad deal) you come across during that time period in order to make your "deadline". 

I have noted the upcoming Apr 25 meetup.Westchester MF are often closer to $500k and carrying costs are higher than CT due to higher taxes.We saw a short sale in Verplanck that MIGHT fit the need, but after much deliberation we passed since we had a harder time seeing us living that property (though the numbers were compelling).We are taking a very disciplined approach towards this acquisition.