First of all, all success is not monetary.  

And by all means get a job In the industry to learn as they go alongMy other very VERY strong opinion is Sub too  and sandwich leases I don't care what any one thinks I think these should be highly regulated as there is just way too much fraud and monetary loss's when you teach this technique to undercapitalized and or low Character folks ( which Real estate draws them in like flys) its really turning folks lose to really foul up uneducated sellers and there are millions of those as we know.

It's simply a bonus to creating what is essentially a personal monetary system. 

Really the only ones that can receive a monetary gift would be the Real Estate agents.

Sure without money you can donate time, but I will argue that a large monetary endowment does way more than filling soup bowls an hour a week.

They mentioned they had unforeseen monetary issues come up. 

The cash-on-cash return for my co-hosting ones are basically infinite because I put zero down in monetary value (sweat equity and experience are another thing) to make a profit.

Some people DO need to get rid of their house fast NOT for monetary gain but illness, stress, health what ever and the amount of money they will get is NOT the deciding factor.

Also, the Seattle market has slowed and the monetary value of the house has started to decline recently.Selling: could net me about $250,000 (how much would selling fees eat into this?).

I'm not claiming to be a monetary expert, but I would caution everyone out there with the "refi until you die," mentality.