If you are looking to be an investor then I would suggest you don't be an agent that is a poor mans game and it will make it way more difficult to find deals. 

So, you go over budget FAST.So, your Scope of Work (SOW) MUST be very specific as Mr Perez learned when contractor didn't put in new outlets.To "perfect" your SOW, suggest you walk the property with 3 contractors and ask them what needs to be done.

A friend of mine suggested that I consider beginning to invest in small multifamily in Belleville, IL market.

I’m not sure how investors are managing their properties from a different state when it seems to be impossible to find a reliable good property management company in Cahokia, do you have any advice or suggestions on this?  

For the immediate time, I'd love any contractors and handymen suggestions, but eventually, to work with agents to buy and sell in the area. 

Frozen puke in the toilet etc.Any suggestions?

Like your post title suggests, you die to avoid the taxes.

The Port Charlotte duplex...given it hasn’t suffered hurricane damage...could command a pretty penny on its own.I recall reading a piece in Forbes that suggests certain Florida markets could remain strong for years, which might help you gauge whether now is the right time to sell.

@Robert Rixer so you would suggest saving up enough cash to buy as an investor for my next property?

Quote from @Francisco Solano: I suggest you ask a business attorney in your state for this basic template.