Definitely get a holdback and a lease if possible.

How is it that a guy at home, with retail level information flow and a retail brokerage, is consistently beating the market at home competing against teams of hedge funds that have guys working 70 hours a week on a few names and industries?

I am an investor and a real estate agent.

At a minimum, you'll need a Realtor, a closing agent, a property manager with leasing dept, and a contractor.

You would be in better shape if you had the architectural plans complete and a contractor bid or two. 

These are professionals with additional training and a stricter code of ethics.

Both of these water leaks damaged the kitchen base cabinets (brand new and installed in Aug 2017) resulting in moldly cabinets along the inside bases, damaged water resistance vinyl laminate floors in kitchen, damage to living room wood laminate floors, and a bedroom with moldy carpet due to leak from the the hole in bath tub.  

@Caleb Heimsoth Thre is no such thing as a high interest savings account and a CD won't beat inflation.

I don't know all the facts but if you are looking for financial growth and a stronger return on investment, I would use the cash on hand to purchase another investment (or more).

s blog post on starting on BP and it is gold and a quick read.