My portfolio is not that large and it irked me to pay a bookkeeper so much and still have to do a lot of the work.

@Eric SmithGenerally, if the taxpayer sells the relinquished property to an unrelated party, the taxpayer generally cannot acquire replacement property from a related party unless:The related party is also participating in a 1031 exchange.The related party pays more in tax on the sale to the taxpayer than the taxpayer is deferring in the exchange (this scenario is rare).Let’s look who is considered a related party: Spouse, children, grandchildren, parents, and siblings.Corporations and shareholders owning more than 50%.Commonly controlled corporations.Partnerships and partners with more than 50% interest.Trustees, grantors, and trust beneficiaries.Non-Related Parties:In-laws.Aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces.Friends.Domestic partners.Entities owned 50% or less by the taxpayer or a related party.In your case, your mother-in-law, aunts, and cousins are not considered related parties to you under the definitions in Sections 267(b) and 1031(f).

Owning a duplex at 20 is a huge accomplishment, and it’s inspiring to see you’re already planning your next move.From my perspective, real estate investing is a long-term game focused on building equity, paying down debt, and maintaining stability over chasing short-term cash flow.

My attorney stated not only must the person who failed to pay taxes be given notice but also the squatter as well since our suit names persons who were in possession of the house. 

Any positive cash flow should go towards paying off debt.

If you were able to build equity over time, it could be smart to sell, pay off your loan, and use the money for another venture (flip, investments, etc) if it is truly bleeding you out.

He knows the loan will pay and they won't default because he knows they're solid. 

Things they did bad which I wish I had asked more information about:Never involved in the screening of tenantsThey recommended keys for cash by waiving the rent amount buy only collecting fees which they would get not meThe cost to evict is 750-950 yet other companies told me they will include eviction in the priceThe tenant didnt pay in full last month and I was the one calling out to them and asking questions then a few days later I get an email saying something happened with the tenant and they are investigating.You get passed from person to person every week or so.No one told me when the construction was complete and so the house was ready for a week and the post to zillow and other sites was not done.It took them another week to take pictures and then another week to upload it.I was paying 200 dollar a month electric bills while the house was vacant because they left the AC running in the empty property.

It may sound nice to pay a 6% management fee but the extra fees can add up to be more than the other company that charges 10% with no additional fees.

We are paying cash to him every week or so when he sends bill.