Since I've been a EFT/stock/dividend guy since I entered my working years, I wanted to try to do a comparison to see just how much value switching to real estate would propel me to be able to 1. retire earlier, and 2. retire wealthier.

The topic of AirBnB in Providence has been brought up in previous discussions but I wanted to revisit and see if anyone had comparison numbers between their long term rental and AirBnB revenue.

Where I’m confused is to best word a partnership agreement to be reimbursed and how that would affect my cost basis in comparison with my partners?

There is really no other comparison when it comes to returns.

For comparison, during this same time frame I had a crew of 2-3 guys complete a gut job rehab of a 2500 sq ft house, including two additions.

It seems a better comparison if you have a couple of specific term sheets from lenders which you can compare.

For Cash offers you are going to have to establish a basic Comp of the house, and consider it's condition and cost of rehab if it is in a poor condition in comparison to neighboring units.

As for the 1031 exchange, what is the typical order/sequence of the transaction?

I've been running comparisons of the same floor plans in our area to see what I can borrow and even diving into sales leads. 

Have an Independent agent (if you do not have one already) run a comparison for all your policies.