PS: I already talked to my family about investing in real estate and although they like the idea, I don't see it happening anytime soon or in an organized manner. 

If you hope to expand down the road you will likely want the cash flow properties because they are self-sustaining and do not damage your debt to income like the typical class A property.

I work part-time for a real estate company (Nomadic Real Estate) as a leasing agent and I just passed my VA salesperson exam so I hope to sell real estate in Virginia within the next couple of weeks.Within the next 4 years, I would like to generate enough passive income so that I can save for my future family.The ultimate goal is to generate enough money to be able to start and sustain a social entrepreneurship business to help schools in West Africa.On Bigger Pockets, it would be great if I could network with like-minded individuals.Francis

I'm not a baltimore investor but learned enough to know that the cashflow proforma can be exciting on paper, but be a totally different beast in reality if you can't collect rent or have to do it in a very hands on manner.

The key is to understand the potential exposure for risk areas and mitigate in a manner suitable to you.  

My advice strictly from the 1031 perspective would be to sell and 1031 as a group in the same manner that title was held in the old property.  

The applicant has established that there are practical difficulties in complying with the provision, that the property owner proposes to use the property in a reasonable manner not permitted by the provision.

Most people (myself included) can't afford to live here at current price points and I can't imagine how that is sustainable long term.

Make sure you have enough resources to create a sustained campaign.

If you can make friends and get to know people and LIKE people, then you can deploy that relationship in a manner for all to make money.