This means I paid a little bit more for my membership in order to have a display booth at the networking events, along with the option to speak formally at those events.I took the wholesaling class that REIA offered last October and I have to say that it was an excellent use of my time and money.

That was my choice as well (to simply address the letter to the owner and not mention anything about the passing).  

http://petriestocking.com/blog/landlord-tenantHere's a link to his EXCELLENT landlord blog too and he's good about answering emails, so I'm sure if you email him he'll let you know if he is qualified to help and if not, my ipression having talked with him multiple times is that then he'd refer you to whoever you should call and not just take the biz he's not well versed in, he strikes me as a very honest and principled man.

Excellent ideas all of themThe down payment is also part of the plan.  

If the latter is the best choice should I cash-out refi or sell to recover my money for the next flip?

Big caution when you leave your job weather your choice or theirs you must pay all of it back within 30 days.

@Lisa GarrettYes, a self directed IRA is just like the IRA you have, but with different investment choices.  

I have a database of circa 450 names in excel and want to mail merge them into letters but don't obviously want to have to print all of them out individually and do the envelopes etc. manually.Thanks in advance

On my blog I have a post where I put together an excel spreadsheet that lists the fields and apps that I have. 

My wife and I are making the conscious choice to delay purchasing the home we want until our real estate has grown enough to support it.