Achieving the extraordinary is not a linear process, the secret is to put in the time every single day on meaningful tasks and to work through the many frustrating aspects of the journey. 

It seemed the bones of the home were good and the challenges we would face in remodeling would be achievable.  

What do you want to achieve?

Ask if an installment sale will work and be the most optimal way to achieve both your and your father's goals.

They are a licensed real estate agent who typically works the buyer leads that come in off the numerous listings of a high achieving listing agent. 

I know because they were selling and I saw first hand.

It will take a while to achieve your goal of $5000 this way.

I've started reading books/watching videos on cash out refinancing but I'd love to chat with someone who has done this first hand in the area.

Whichever will help you achieve your objectives.

Thanks to everyone for opining on this, BP has a gernerally fantastic community.per Jason: Hi Nathan, feel free to give me a call, i don't have first hand experience with the City and Airbnb, i stay out of GR proper for rentals, I have only heard what others have shared with their experience in the shorterm rental meet ups and networking I have been to, The Grand rapids RPOA puts on a meeting for short term rentals every month on the first wednesday at noon, a lunch and learn.