You’ve gained valuable experience from your first duplex and are now approaching real estate with a strategic mindset

Is it better to sell, pay off mortgage and capital gains and take the cash to invest in another property or is it better to refi/ETO and take the cash to invest in another property?

4) would this also work to defer gains on fix and flips?

As I continue to gain more knowledge, I am intrigued by the opportunities that real estate investing can afford while on active duty. 

You can read all the books, attend all the seminars and gain great insight from others, however nothing teaches like real life experience.

You have the ability to sell while limiting your capital gains tax because you lived in 2 of the last 5 years. 

I am looking to gain mentorship and relationships!

If so, they can sell within 2 years and not pay capital gains taxes on the sell of the home.They could take that money and buy multiple rental homes in other areas if they wanted, or use the money to downsize in to a different home while still having money left over.

Quote from @Joe Paasch: I have joined this site to gain important incites, discussions and plans to build a successful portfolio.  

Everybody who invests in Southeast Mexico, including myself, knows that the typical property doesn't offer ROI upwards of 10%-15% but way less.