The fact of the matter, as @Jay Hinrichs said, is that it *is* an either or proposition at least in the season of growth.

The rules are designed to prevent related parties from engaging in exchanges that shift high basis property for low basis property, followed by a sale of the low basis property, effectively "cashing out" without recognizing gain.If you sell a property to a related party as part of a 1031 exchange, both you and the related party must hold the exchanged properties for at least two years following the exchange.

Hey Account Closed - I highly suggest  using a renovation loan and house hacking a multi-family if that is possible with your current life circumstances.The 203k and homestyle renovation loans are just amazing products and drastically help you reduce your risk, in my opinion, because you are able to leverage the cost of the entire renovation with such a low down payment loan.We work with a lot of clients who use these products in Chicago, and no matter what, in the long term, they gain great equity.If you aren't able to house hack - the process is essentially the same, but just with more money down with hard money or conventional construction loan.

In what cases can you put down as low as 3%?

Highs in the 15s and lows will be 0 this week. 

BiggerPockets is full of resources designed to help you along your journey, whether you are just getting started or a seasoned investor.

If I have the time after dinner to run to Lowe’s , and deliver material at 10pm, I didn’t have to ask if that’s ok.

Time overcomes low cash flow to some degree... rents go up while your mortgage stays the same and your tenant pays down your mortgage.  

Hi Daniel, condos can be a great low-maintenance option for LTRs, especially for absentee landlords since the HOA handles exterior upkeep.

Our builder is Bill Lowe, who we really like so far.