Hi, I'm a 27 year-old engineer looking to learn about commercial real estate investing in order to acquire properties that will provide a steady source of cash flow that will allow me to continuously add to my potentially higher-return stock positions, as well as cover living expenses. 

Crowned Peak Equity LLC is Looking for an Investor Friendly Realtor to Help in Chicago area.

Buy or inherit and hold for a long time, then cash out and redeploy equity into potentially higher cash flowing properties or other investments.2.

You have a decent amount of equity to work with, so crunch the numbers, get it inspected (if they will allow it) get estimates and then decide

From what you say, SOMEONE should be willing to give you money pledged against your equity.  

If you get a positive evaluation, you should hire an MAI appraiser, to render an opinion of the fair market value of the property.  

I am currently working in a low-level retail position while I learn and prepare for my next step.

Have good credit (825) last it was checked, and have about 40k equity in my home.

I would like to take equity out and use it to invest in additional property.

Now if you build from the ground up or do a value add lease up with vacancy you can get a higher cap rate.The ones that are already stable in great area the owners will  not let go at a really high cap they will just keep the cash flow then eliminate their equity gain from buying 4 years ago.