...equity out? Lets say you buy a home for $100,000 thats worth $200,000, what is the most reliable, cost effective, and efficient method to pull out the equity into cash? What is the guaranteed way to do this if possible? Is it possible at closing, or a HELOC after closing, or cash from the seller, or a cash out refinance? most importantly, it has to be legal. thanks

Cash out refi is the way to go. Otherwise you are going to have a tax liability for the $100,000. I have done this a couple of times and it works well. Its legal and easy. Check to make sure that your refi expenses are low. There is a possibility that you could realize a greater return from selling the house. But... that means no brokers fees, a good contract specifying split of costs with the buyer and a good position on your tax situation. Good luck!

The first thing you need to ask yourself: How do you know it's worth $200K?

Unless you have had an appraisal where YOU HIRE the appraiser, you really have no idea of what that particular home is worth.

If it was that far below market...it would have already been sold.