However, the more I learn, the more I think on how to capitalize on the benefits from the deal

I'm glad to connect and see if I could be of benefit to you in regards to advice on your investment and any other potential questions you might have.

Try to see the big picture when getting started - maybe seeking private / hard money to get in to the deals where there is more profit potential could benefit you.

@Joseph Henry Renting could net you $2800/month and offer tax benefits like depreciation, but you'll face future maintenance costs for the furnace, A/C, and roof.

I had let my guard down and given a tenant the benefit of the doubt (a tenant who is (now was) a CEO and raised millions of dollars for a newsworthy venture).

In some states there may be some benefit, but personally I have not seen a reason why a land trust was ever needed. 

Here are things that would not transfer with a sale:-2.5% interest- prop 13 property tax benefit is saving ~$40/monththese are awesome advantages that are tough to match   In addition you have achieve outstanding return from the appreciation since purchase.On the other hand, you have $300k of equity which places the LTV at ~65%.  

Post regularly to update us on market trends, deals you're analyzing, and any opportunities you think would benefit investors.

If this does not happen you will still have two properties getting paid off and providing tax benefits and cash flow and hopefully appreciation.

I benefitted from rent inflation, but I also did some things that would help improve net cash flow (appealing property taxes, for example).Happy to send you some resources with more details on how I accomplished it.