If yu claim one it doesn't void the option to claim the other one.Provided you meet the IRS requirements for both, as a tax strategy, you could complete exclude a portion of capital gains under Section 121 and then defer the remaining capital gains under Section 1031 (@Dave Foster is a great resource for 1031 exchange). ..

Hard money lenders are much more like banks and come with many restrictions, requirements, due diligence, fees, etc.

Examples might include areas in the Midwest, Southeast, or Sunbelt regions.Multifamily Properties: Consider duplexes, triplexes, or small apartment buildings to increase unit count and spread risk across multiple tenants.Short-Term Rentals: If you’re comfortable with the management requirements, STRs in vacation or business travel markets can offer significantly higher cash flow potential than traditional rentals.Value-Add Properties: Look for opportunities to buy undervalued properties where you can force appreciation through renovations or better management.Decision FrameworkRun the Numbers: Compare the projected cash flow, equity growth, and tax implications of selling versus holding with a refinance or HELOC.

With your Fico and down payment, all you need to do is make sure you pass the debt to income requirements. 

REI is full of surprises and they all require money.

I've consulted a few times over the years with planners and with the way I buy properties, my liquidity requirements, and my concerns about about how government overspending affects the future, makes me a poor candidate for IRAs and 401(k)s with the stifling regulations.   

It is pretty easy to keep it fully occupied but it does mean I turn away a ton of people who want a lease that doesn't quite fit my requirements. 

With Chicago's new Express Permit Program, it's a bit easier to get permits for work that would have previously required architectural drawings. 

If it requires a mobile closing we use Michigan Investment Title because they willclose anywhere at no cost unless it's a ruralarea but downside is they require wires for everything which alot of title companies are starting to require anyways.

High credit scores and low DTI are often required…and these take much longer than I first thought…Navy might take 45 days to get through the gauntlet.