Zillow pre-foreclosures are going to be quite an unreliable source of information, until foreclosed on you will still be dealing with the homeowner. 

My ultimate goal is to fund enough doors to either live off my R.E. and quit my job, or be able to do both and enjoy having the money necessary to walk away from a "real job" one day and do whatever I want.

It's quite possible that cashing out on your pension is a bad idea long-term.

I would say that the $8k will be your reserve fund for the current rental, to get another you are probably looking at 20-25% down so you will need to save up quite a bit before purchasing another. unless you wanted to 1031 exchange your vacant land which may or may not be making any income currently.

In over 30 plus years we have done * still 'hold' quite a few of these.

In installing, the contractors drilled through the exterior vinyl in order to add duct work for external venting. 

Not quite into the flipping game yet, but also not investing in the state where I live so logistically I think I have more work to do before I can line up anything other than buy & hold.

I know we aren't quite where we'd like to be for a down payment but this sort of fell in my lap and, assuming I could make the numbers work, I'd be stupid if I didn't at least try. 

I’ve also used Bank of Internet, they’re a little slower,  But if you get a Costco premium membership for the discount their rates and charges are quite reasonable. 

If a SFR is in solid shape, decent neighborhood, has good appreciation potential, I'm quite happy with a 1% MROI- paying $150k for a house that rents for $1500.