My question is - is it more advantageous to have me own the business entirely so that I can capitalize on the tax deductions & tax refunds so that I can in turn contribute more capital to purchase future properties together?  

Rent exchanged for work is usually a slippery slope in the future.  

There is almost zero chance that you bring this issue to a head and they sign a lease with a good future prospect for the tenancy.

I’m doing out of state too, might bounce some questions off you in the future. 

I think what you're doing with your plan for your future is very smart and hope to contribute to your goals.

For me, start with either the property who's lease expiry is furthest out in the future OR property that has seems like it will be easiest to manage.3) From what I have heard, rent has really moved upward in GVSC - I'd call a couple RE Agents or property managers that have rental listings in the area and tell them your situation / ask them to send you closed rental comps.

Hey Jacob,Congrats on building equity in both properties—it sounds like you're in a great position to leverage your assets for future investments!

I'm married, have three kids, and I live in an upper-middle class type suburb with the lawn and the white picket fence and it costs so much these days to keep a family there, it makes me worry about the future for my kids. 

I understand the cash flow and cash on cash return will be lower, but we are looking at holding these properties for the foreseeable future so, we are expecting to make up for this with appreciation.  

We contacted several hundred banks in one day and continue to follow up with them regularly....numerous lists came in along with future lists coming to us as well. here is a short video on that first day of bank calling.