You may be chasing your tail.  

But more directly to your question of "taking control"......no, the dog still wags the tail in this case.

I might make the tail end of this season if I am lucky.

I must be like a dog chasing his own tail.

I agree that there is a higher risk in buying tails and leftovers, but for many small balance investors they can find a workable asset and make a profit at the end of the day. 

Positive cash flow is still important if you hold, but not as a means to make your profits but rather as an "insurance policy" to let you hold through a downturn if need be and realize those long term rent and price appreciation if they materialize like they historically have in LA.Lastly, if you come across a smokin' deal in the right time frame and a 1031 works out for you, great, but be careful not to let the tax tail wag the investment dog ... if you wouldn't buy the property without the 1031 then do buy it with a 1031.

Our favorite broker was a newbie and she worked her tail off on her first two deal which should have been straight forward but turned out to be a couple of nightmares.

I ran to their location with check in my hand, and tail between my legs - and they did mail me a release of lien certificate ( had to keep calling to get it).

I am looking for someone in the DMV area  who I can coat- tail  or even find deals for to improve my current knowledge!

(I knew going in one friend was not going to contribute anything but capital then ride our coat tails for the investment payoff, however went ahead and did the deal knowing I wouldnt have it without including him {he was the connection to the person we redeemed the property from} - we are still friends - I've just laid down the law if he invests with me again - he's putting in majority of the capital and we will talk about equity splits - he wants to invest with me again and agrees to changing the setup)Bought the house for $60k - invested appx $40k including holding costs - taxes, ins, utilities permits etc, (purchased August 2014 - finished rehab beg March 2015 - tenants moved in May 1 2015 - rented for $1495/mo.