Rehabbing or Rentals? Is there a final VERDICT?

[Greg P.]

Hello all. I've read the previous posts on this topic, but still feel a bit confused. If my end goal was to get into Commercial deals, lets say within 5 years and by that time the market goes up; which strategy is better? So to make this simple. Is it better having 1mil in cash or 2-3mil in networth and tax benefits? I may be thinking is wrong, but since the market is the way it is, and Commercial is not at its bottom, isn't it better to hold onto properties for the tax benefits, appreciation then sell when the commercial market is at its bottom then convert them 1031? I remember Vikram saying that laser focusing is the key in business which I 100% agree, but it seems as with Real Estate it's a bit different because of the various factors involved. Please advise.

Edit: Basically, I would like to know how to get into the Commercial game faster, because once I am a player in the Commercial game, then I'm sure I would not deal with SFH's, but who knows.