The Regents of the University of California hope not, because they want me to pay tuition for my 3 children, (though one of them is likely to join the Navy, everyone reading this will be on the hook for his GI Bill).3)  Markets and customs are vastly different.

If the #'s make sense I'm sure a portfolio lender would also let you use the heloc as a downpayment where you can get into a virtual no money down situation and  get a nicer property.Have you looked within an hour or two of where you live for an investment to get your feet wet?  

Power of compounding interest is most powerful force in universe said some smart guy way back when ;)

It is also close to Chapman University.

Several universities in Alabama offer online prelicense courses.

I have virtually no experience in real estate investing, however, have always been interested to learn more about the potential opportunities. 

I want to eventually outsource most of my biz and do this virtually all over. being that's what I want to do, should I yell out to those doing deals in areas other than my own and just see who they use for closings etc?

Is Northwestern Chicago a good university?

For $40K, I'd go get a business degree at a state university or online...and take a real estate exam course.  

.,.for each escrow for each seller is virtually impossible...as each escrow company wants to do it their own way.