Personally I would invest in a fund with an 8%+ preferred return with equity split that pushes the realized return to double digits before I would pay off that debt.

I'm having a very difficult time getting some of the equity out to fund the purchase of a multi-family.

It is just not a profitable situation for PM's, thus why these homes do not work for out of state investors because the companies that manage these homes hire low level entry level positions. 

The risk is not covered by protective equity, so a lender would have to "just take your word for it" that you'd repay the loan.

My name is Shea And In anxious to start and begin in Realestate investing, Creating Positive Cash Flow but most importantly building wealth & finacial freedom, But first want to Master the Math and Analysis of Properties.

Getting that equity out and putting it to work for you is an amazing idea.

Anywhere you have low lying areas close to water you're going to have an added carrying cost for flood insurance (unless 100% equity).  

You get a referral like you did from your realtor and you're borrowing his or her social equity with that contractor, then I can see the contractor doing a one off.

I would like to "sell high" within next few months and use the equity to purchase multiple out of state cash-flowing properties.  

This is what I've seen with unemployed. 1) there aren't many here that are 2) most max out the equity before thinking of selling so lots are either upside down or break even.It would seem the unemployed space would work best for subject to deals (take over the payments).