Two notes:1) The solar company may give you the best interest rate.2) If the power goes out, you still don’t have power if you have solar. 

Here is the how I would explain it to a kindergartner:The true power of a 1031 exchange is the ability for an investor to meet their investment objectives without losing equity to taxation.With more money they can buy larger, multiple, or more productive properties.What is the alternative?

The understanding you bring to each transaction, the ability to read between the lines, and the personal connections you forge are irreplaceable elements that complement the analytical power of AI. 

As a powerful organization, I would like to see Bigger Pockets become a leader in not simply educating real estate investors but leading the way in warning investors about the real estate guru pitfalls.  

It gives you the power of a professional real estate bookkeeper but it's simple enough for someone who is not a fan of bookkeeping to stay on top of things because the User Experience is well thought out.

By searching for and discovering active Facebook pages, Instagram feeds, and Twitter feeds, you’ll connect with active investors and real estate agents that you never would have known otherwise.Run Facebook Ads and Promoted PostsFacebook is one of the most powerful websites in the world.

Sounds like you are already on the path to being an out of state investor and with the right team that can be powerful.  

Building a portfolio, starting a property management company, and creating a non-profit focused on affordable housing and financial education—what a powerful way to give back to your community!

Some investors buy land in cash or with short-term financing, then refinance it later when they’re ready to build.Lastly, don’t underestimate the power of networking.

I too live in Marin, and feel it is a solid long term market for apprecaition, and utilizing the power of principle reduction.When it comes to refinancing, figure out what the loan costs will be, then divide that buy the monthly savings with the new loan in order to determine how long you have to maintain that loan to break even.