The reason we do that is because people are on love with their spreadsheet, but need a reality check to see, feel and smell what a lower prices property looks like - in particular the condition. 

I lowered the price of both even more and was able to find a tenant for one of them, will see what happens with the other!

This would make it into two, two bedroom units with the intent of making them long term rentals.I'm guilty of having a lot of projects going at once so my focus right now is bringing the cottage to a point to refinance out of the private money and either make it our primary residence for a year for the financing perks or to go straight into a short term rental.With the four bedroom house I'm trying to decide if it's worth splitting into two units or if I should keep it a four bedroom rental.The cottage I'm also tempted to do mid term with to lower the turnover and maintenance but open to suggestions.The third property I'll probably just let the current renters pay the mortgage for the time being if I'm able to acquire it anytime soon.

The 1031 exchange would allow you to indefinitely defer all of the capital gains taxes and use it to purchase multiple newer properties with lower capital expenditures, in a better market. 

(I’d prefer you found a way to put down 20% and save the PMI as well as lower mortgage origination costs and on going interest costs.

I think 5% is a pretty standard rate to estimate with, but beyond that you might be higher or lower depending on your approach to landlording. 

I would stick with individuals at those lower price points. 

If I were to apply for a CFO role now, more than likely I have to advantage over a CFO that was in a manufacturing company for a real estate company.EAs specializes specifically in taxationCPAs have a broader knowledge for accounting, auditing, financial planning, and taxation.EA must pass a 3-part IRS exam and do not require a college degreeCPA need a degree in accounting, 150 credit hours of education, must a 4-part CPA exam.EAs often charge a lower fees

We've seen our area MLS which covers about 20 counties come down to an average sold to list price ratio of 95.1% and Knox county specifically has come to 96.4 % which is lower by about 2% from this time last year and down from our peak this year of 98.5%. but it's about in line from winter 2022 into spring 2023 which was a time when rates were rapidly rising.

I am hoping for lower interest rates but I calculated I would need the rate to be low 3’s to break even.