Research cities like Cleveland, Columbus, Indianapolis, or Kansas City, and consider getting licensed in the state where you want to invest.

Make sure the Flat Fee Company is NOT a referral service, that the broker is reachable and licensed ... check reviews and license numbers (licenses should be listed on the home site), they should allow at least 25 pictures, no charge for changes, and a good customer service.

The problem I see is the masses have not understood the advantage of purchasing a duplex.As far a Lennar is considered an entry level builder, I don't see that their neighborhoods in general have very good price appreciation, unless they are in a unique area where the location is exceptional.I think that prices are falling, and that you should be able to find a deal, the I-35 Corridor from  San Antonio to Austin is a very hot area.Here is an example of a property that was listed for $342,000, and the list price is down to $300,000, with a price drop of $20,000 on 7/29. 1261 Stone Rim Loop, Buda, Texas 78610, If you need any comps or info, just let me know, I'm a licensed Broker in Texas, and I have MLS access across the state.Also, I'm not sure if you know, but you can split your 1031 exchange and purchase multiple properties instead of just 1 property. 

Management fees- free rent in exchange for licensed agent living in the community and coordinating work orders, etc. $288,000 income - $199,600 expenses without management and landscaping = $88,400 / year or $7,366/month.

Let my license expire in a difficult time in my life.

To be a property manager in Wisconsin requires you to have a real estate broker's license. 

Unfortunately, there are several barriers, including finding a seller willing to accept this loan, a lot of lender red tape, and then coordinating a qualified/licensed contractor to do all the work.

Because they are a professionally licensed business, a judge will hold them more accountable than you.

Unless you ran a full credit, criminal, and eviction check using the tenants SSN and drivers license (which you must have their permission to do) you can't be sure that the records you are viewing are in fact one and the same person who was your tenant.

I am aware that I need a broker's license to manage properties that I do not own.