Judging by the limited response here and by brokers/lenders.....I'm seeing my equity position look like nothing more than a cool appraisal and a sweet story.

That's pretty darn sweet to me! 

Make a lot of money fast and then buy a sweet car?

Wine cellar portion of the restaurant.  

Wow that is a sweet deal in SC to have 30 days to pay in full with 5% down.

@Thelonious Jones sweet deal!

Same advice as always - let the numbers do the talking and leave the opinions for after a glass of wine

Start analyzing and buying and then see if you want to be in houses or units or commercial.I'm tipping a digital glass of wine to your success. 

two things I know you did not ask me but since I am on a roll thought I would chime in.1. think about being a secured lender for a VERY good rehabber.. give them sweet heart terms in exchange to shadow them and or share some subs etc.. create that relationship with someone your know is already successful but bring them some value IE cheap money.2. equity partner same theory you do the money part and show up on the job daily :)  learn as you go.3. one easy way to find out who is a good flipper in your area is to invest with a very established local HML he will have all the best flippers pretty much already vetted.lastly what ever you do.. when you try to hire this GC or who ever is going to be your main point person..

In other words, as my sweet mama would say "they don't know squat about 'em."