I know there's a way to leverage this into some healthy growth. 

I'm making a healthy downpayment cash by doing a cash out refinance on three of my established properties that I know can cover the debt service handily.

We don't have kids (might in the future), my husband and I are young and healthy, have stable high-income full-time jobs, and just put in a lot of work to both properties so don't expect huge expenses in the near future.

With the numbers you provided above, you will have to ensure you have healthy reserves.

Her health is OK, but it's going to drop quickly if we don't find a way to get her active and lose some weight. 

This year’s most popular areas are known for being fast-growing cities with plenty of new development, with healthy job growth in Florida and Texas in particular.

The rental market conditions are slightly tight, indicating a healthy demand for rental properties.Student housing continues to be an attractive investment opportunity due to its recession-resistant nature and consistent demand.

I don't know anyone with a large number of cats that I consider mentally healthy.

So, my first caution is it would be healthy not to expect similar results on certain real property investments/deals in the current and near future cycles.That said, there are multiple considerations and clarity needed, before I would act on any investments with your equity.

I am eager to learn the in's and out's of Charlotte residential real estate market as well as gain some experience flipping houses while turning a healthy profit for myself and investors.