My largest was financed based off of a helicopter maintenance job I took in Croatia for 7 months which I bought as a beach vacation rental.

Your lady losing job. 

I want to pull some of that equity out but have a 1099 job (real estate agent).  

I currently have my funds ready (hardmoney).My goal for the first flip is to simply find a property that only needs upgrades in the kitchen, bathroom, paint job, flooring and any other" small" items that will add value.

I'm trying to raise them with an eye on financial freedom as opposed to the old "get a good job and work hard" path. 

Things like population growth, job growth, and nearby amenities, school availability and goodness, public transportation, and retail development are all important. 

Others just want to make enough to quit their jobs, or to build a nice retirement income. 

I had several that contacted me earlier from Puerto Rico wanting to rent sight unseen but this last applicant was the only one that sounded like they would be a good qualifying tenant (retired law enforcement plus a good job lined up here)

I work a full-time job, but I would love to spend my weekends helping someone out with their properties.

Don't buy down your note...that's your tenant's job (as long as you are positive CF).