My main aim of interest in real estate is to increase cash flow and overall build wealth that can replace my day job and give me more flexibility with my time.

-EricThis sounds like a very wise imvestment.

The AC is old, but I’m planning on holding off on replacing it.

My advice is to be wise but continue.  

However, purchasing the replacement property from an estate where your mother-in-law is the executor and other heirs are your wife's aunts and cousins raises potential related-party concerns under Section 1031(f).The IRS generally prohibits 1031 exchanges between related parties unless both the buyer and seller hold their respective properties for at least two years after the exchange.To stay compliant and avoid disqualification, ensure:The estate sells the property directly before any distributions to heirs.You hold the replacement property for at least two years.The transaction is conducted at fair market value with no prearranged agreements.Given the IRS scrutiny of related-party 1031 exchanges, consult a qualified CPA or 1031 exchange accommodator to structure the deal properly and avoid potential capital gains tax liabilities.This post does not create a CPA-Client relationship.

Quote from @Jeremiah Dunakin: Quote from @James Wise: Quote from @Jeremiah Dunakin: Quote from @Bruce Woodruff: Hourly rates are not crazy for skilled labor nowadays...what gets my attention is that the Handyman works for the PM.

If comps are scarce, you might also consider the replacement cost approach, looking at what it would take to rebuild and adjusting based on market conditions.

At least, if you don't want issues down the road tax wise and if the government finds out it could cause some serious legal issues.

I’d join the brokerage that is the best fit personality wise for you and spend all my spare time networking.

"As a newcomer to commercial real estate, I believed investing $10,000 in education would be a wise decision.