Lenders get paid at closing.Consider developing a better process to find and vet your lenders, Torianne.

If there's equity maybe selling and restarting would be ideal unless you can up income/cut down expenses

The primary goal is appreciation adding value building equity and therefore net worth.I’ve been at this “game” 46 years  and there is no magic bullet.It takes time, discipline and consistent effort.But it can be done in 10 years.Of course this means living below one’s means - ie spend less than they make - to develop and build cash and capital that can be invested and then watch ot grow over time.Hope this helps.Arn

I'm not familiar with your area so can't comment on whether it would be ideal for MTR.

This is a long term development opportunity.

I don't deny that it's tough if you don't have family or contacts of your own, but with enough time and patience, I think it should be possible to develop contacts. 

The DST gives you this option, while 1031 does not.2) Direct up to 80% of the funds to an LLC and partner with the trust for a business purpose such as purchasing investment real estate, loan business, buy into a business or develop investment RE at your own timing (all capital gains tax deferred, without having to follow any timing guidelines.)3) The DST can save a failed 1031 exchange.

Now I own a thriving property management business, run a real estate team helping other investors learn how to grow and scale their portfolios, I have my own modest investment portfolio and have two development projects going at the moment.

Ideally one side would sell out to the other, as divorce is often acrimonious or can become such.

As I develop trust and confidence in them, I invest more, and I've come to have a significant portion of my net worth invested with some operators.