As for obtaining - I find it reasonable to aim for getting them one at a time and one each year. 

Aim conservatively and talk to other investors in your area about what their typical returns are.

My thought process thus far has been to buy safe and smart so a good looking property I buy now isn't easily put into the red once the market turns and rent drops.For example, I aim for $150+ cash flow / month (SF currently).

My thought process thus far has been to buy safe and smart so a good looking property I buy now isn't easily put into the red once the market turns and rent drops.For example, I aim for $150+ cash flow / month (SF currently).

@Donna Matessa, the reason why BP generally likes the "1% Rule" is that it's taken for granted that wise investors will always aim to use as much of other people's money (borrowings) as we can, and we know that most Lenders will lend out ~70% of properties' appraisal, if not more. ie.

The idea of replacing debt can work but you can always supplement with your own cash if you do not want to replace debt in a 1031. 

That way you can aim for bigger better deals, and mitigate your risk. 

I often say on here "aim small, hit small" which I stole from the movie The Patriot.

They are aimed at teaching you to syndicate but they're also good ways to meet others that are syndicating.  

Hi all from Bigger Pockets community, I am a newbie real estate investor and just starting out in this domain of real estate investing with the sole aim of achieving financial freedom.