It has been so instrumental in our investing journey, and in my growth as a real estate agent.

Don't look for a mentor, look for someone that's done what you want to do and learn from their journey.

Ultimately, it makes little sense to sell the house you're in now for 850k if you're going to have to turn around and buy a house for you to live in at say 750k to 850k because thats where the price point is in your area for a home that you will be satisfied with.Your best bet then would be to stay where you're at and get a heloc and use that bo buy the 280k rental property. 

It really just depends on how much equity is still left after the cash-out that you already did.It sounds like your best bet would be to get a HELOC and use the remaining equity to buy another deal.

All the best on your REI journey.

Congrats on taking action, its a huge first step to a great journey. 

I currently trying to do my due diligence by learning what I can from reading the forums, listening to the Biggerpockets podcasts, webinars, etc. however, the opportunity to be able to establish a connection with likeminded investors would be extremely helpful and make this new journey for me a little less intimidating.

Keep me posted on your journey.

Realize, too, that fix and flippers tend to have cheap sources for this sort of thing and would not pay anywhere near what a homeowner would pay a kitchen fixing company.Your best bet may be to donate the cabinets and appliances to Habitat for Humanity.

your best bet here is to find a professional that knows the area, product and market you are selling in.