Kudos to you for doing something to create a secondary income stream. there are 5 income streams in RE rentals, possibly six if you do things a certain way.The reality here is your model (buy box) is suffering from too high an entry and too high a cost of capital.

Purchased a little too high at the buy (I knew it at the time too), does a little better than breaking even on cashflow, and took too long to rehab.

Hi everyone,I am currently a high school senior turning 18 in a month.

Summary: I’m currently working on a project to analyze rental market trends and help real estate investors, landlords, and property managers identify high-performing areas.

I don't know how difficult of a task this would be, but suspect it would make for better quality forum content. 

You have to have exit values of single family homes high enough where build cost can work.

You cannot have a contract that simply states "install high-quality countertops" without specifying the quantity, location, type, or style.

I updated the kitchen with high-end appliances, installed custom cabinetry, and added modern finishes throughout.

@Emily Gowen so as you pointed out you would not have to do a 1031 exchange on your current home to avoid the capital gains tax and coupled with what Dave Foster pointed out I think, speaking from experience you would have a high likelihood of success. 

By and large, QI's have very high ethical standards, and are sometimes overlooked as the engines of this tax saving tactic.]REPUTATION MARKERS 📊INDUSTRY STANDINGMembership in professional organizationsLeadership roles in FEAEducational contributions to the industryRelationships with major title companiesCLIENT RELATIONSHIPS 👥Testimonials from CPAs and attorneysReferences from title companiesLong-term client relationshipsTransparent fee structuresRELATIONSHIP RED FLAGS 🚩Overly familiar with your realtor/brokerKickback arrangements (illegal!)