I sold the other property 18 months later and did a 1031 exchange to buy a nicer SFR.

They basically stole $5000 from me in exchange for 5 "leads".

Option 1: Keep the home and rent it and cash flow about $2,000 per month while it appreciates.Option 2: Sell the home and cash out.Option 3: 1031 exchange the home into 4-6 units in Knoxville which would be about the same value.More info: Riverside as you all know is a great appreciating market but not landlord-friendly being in CA. 

Yes, you either need to find someone who knows how to do title searches and maybe will do them on the side for lower $$ in exchange for the volume of them you'll bring OR learn to DIY them, but need to be darn sure you're DIY'ing your searches just right!!

In that sale, the sellers were elderly, sick, uncollectible, and a hefty upfront payment in exchange for a sub 2 would have actually benefited them more than an outright sale (long story).

In case you are interested, I would be happy to help you with finding right properties, analyzing, managing, investing and more in exchange for your knowledge and experience sharing with me.

Marketing is key and also leaving some meat on the bone for another investor helps sell it (unless it's fully turn key, which can be attractive for a 1031 exchange specifically). 

I'm creating some excel lists and wish I could exchange ideas about investing in Germany.

When people exchange that 25-30% of income for housing expense to 40-50%, and combine that with stagnant income and increased housing costs for down payment, they'll never be able to save enough for down payment and closing costs. 

Another path to consider is to sell them under a 1031 exchange and trade into higher-value real estate.