But I don't really fear conversations or awkward moments.

Fear can paralyze you, and no one wants that.

I have no previous background in real estate(I considered investing about 8 years ago, but the fear bug kept me on the sidelines), but am willing to learn.

So fear mongering with the high tax rate in order to benefit yourself is a bit unnecessary.http://twenty-first.com/pdf/How_REIT_Dividends_Are...

duplicate post - please disregard

Not Much Grows Under the Cloud of Perfectionism

See below:My fear is that if I retain, rent and HELOC, the net cash flow would not be enough to cover what the minimum payment on the HELOC will probably be (used a payment calculator that said $13,500 at 7% would be about $70).

See below:My fear is that if I retain, rent and HELOC, the net cash flow would not be enough to cover what the minimum payment on the HELOC will probably be (used a payment calculator that said $13,500 at 7% would be about $70).

That gibberish is designed to keep real estate professionals like yourself in fear of ever venturing out from under their 35% tax bracket to invest in real estate on their own.

In the words of the Oracle of Omaha; "Buy when people are fearful and sell when they are greedy."