This experience reinforced the value of strong communication and precise execution in achieving successful outcomes, even in fast-paced deals.

If you or anyone you know might be interested in helping me gain experience/knowledge in property management in exchange free work, please reach out. 

Boots on the ground like your cleaner is VERY important, but I'd also recommend you get to know your neighbors and exchange info.

If they don’t like fixing it up I’m sure they’ll like it falling apart in exchange for lower rent. 

The problem I see is the masses have not understood the advantage of purchasing a duplex.As far a Lennar is considered an entry level builder, I don't see that their neighborhoods in general have very good price appreciation, unless they are in a unique area where the location is exceptional.I think that prices are falling, and that you should be able to find a deal, the I-35 Corridor from  San Antonio to Austin is a very hot area.Here is an example of a property that was listed for $342,000, and the list price is down to $300,000, with a price drop of $20,000 on 7/29. 1261 Stone Rim Loop, Buda, Texas 78610, If you need any comps or info, just let me know, I'm a licensed Broker in Texas, and I have MLS access across the state.Also, I'm not sure if you know, but you can split your 1031 exchange and purchase multiple properties instead of just 1 property. 

Investment Info:

Small multi-family (2-4 units) buy & hold investment in Saint Louis.

Purchase price: $90,000

Cash invested: $50,000

Sale price: $289,000

4 family building purchased in distre...

I cleaned it up, took pictures, posted it for sale, fully expecting to use Section 121, as recommended all over this forum, instead of doing a Section 1031 exchange, which I had originally planned to do before asking about the Section 121 law on this forum!!

But I have been looking into splitting the duplex into two condos (yes I know it is a lot of work) and I could probably get 325-350k for each, netting me 650-700k.Number:* Mortgage interest 2.5%* Mortgage principle 240k* PITI $2100/month* Rent 2200/month (current tenant on a two year lease)* Potential rent on my side $2400/month * 100k HELOC at 11% (fixed) (not currently being used)* est additional cost to split the dueplex 75-100k (conservative, probably less)     *new siding 30k (just put on a new roof this year)     *legal 10-15k     *fire proofing 15k     * 15-40k for stuff I am not aware of or underestimated on* some of the appreciation is external from the home     *big grocery store put in 3min away     * newly paved road in front of my house     *a building that was falling down across the street has been torn down          * Still a vacant lot with the foundation exposed and fencing around it (so more local improvements are on the way)Part of me wants to take the money and run but man I love that 2.5% interest rate and the $2000/month cash flow (including taxes and capx)I have thought about 1031 exchanging into more rentals, but I would like to pivot into storage units.

@Joe Vigurs  You can do a 1031 exchange on any type of investment real estate.

You might consider doing a 1031 exchange and selling a couple of your properties that are cash flowing the least amount and buy in a market that is more conducive to cash flow.