This seemingly minor detail can significantly impact your financial stability throughout the build.Building a home often involves partnerships, and it's essential to ensure balance.

Buying out of state in cheaper markets can seem appealing and easier but I believe it is a bit more complex for a newer agent. 

I've been told to have my wife claim REPS but she's a stay at home mom and not involved in our real estate activities at all so that doesn't really seem feasible. 

The agent’s company is quite big and she is professional, but seems to be very busy, not proactive enough for me.

This doesn't seem fair to me.

From what I read this seems like it is an acceptable to do both the originating and the referral as long as it is not a government (FHA, USDA, VA) loan.

@Brandon StilesYou seem to have it down...But to your last para.. 

@Patrick Flanagan all of the above, but networking seems to be the best.

We like the less expensive/rural areas as they seem to generate higher RoRs.If you're looking to network locally, there is a great REIA meet up in Matthews, NC I attend weekly and would highly recommend.

I think building out a strategy and thinking about what you want to do moving forward is a great starting point because it doesn't seem like you have a shortage of options.From leveraging your existing HELOCs, opening a new one, or fully refinancing your property that is paid off, it feels like the biggest concern I would have for you would be 'paralysis by analysis'.