I definitely see few downsides to becoming an agent, one downside just being the cost, but you have to pay for access or accreditation in any business...

It's easy to invest with friends if you've established a proper operating agreement.

IT will only complicate your access to cash and leverage without having any positive benefits.

It won't teach you anything about real estate investing and certainly nothing about flipping homes.You'll also need to spend money to obtain your license with the state, and you'll have to pay your annual dues to the local board of Realtors for access to the MLS.

. - Small price to pay to have access to the equity.But a HELOC seems like a no-brainer, just as a safety net.

It was easy for me, single guy only 1 income from my day job.

I had to reconnect with the seller while in escrow to sell the home as we needed the payoff info and fortunately he was easy to reach. 

My job makes it easy for transfer as we have outlets in every state, and we can live basically anywhere in the country for work.

, and in this way you can have a more easy view of your financials . 

@Brad TarryYou can roll all or part of that old 401(k) to an IRA of your choosing, including a self-directed IRA that provides broader investment choices.IRA plans do not offer a participant loan feature as 401(k) plans do, however.If you are self-employed, you could potentially establish your own Solo 401(k) and then have access to the loan feature.If you will be joining another W-2 employer you could also potentially roll some of your current 401(k) into that plan such that you would have some capital from which to borrow.If you have an outstanding loan on your prior employer 401(k) that may need to be paid off promptly if you have terminated service.