Have your agent start to look for properties that will do the 1031 now.See my comments in recent post. 

I'm starting out at level 0.

Start by reading the Ultimate Real Estate Investing Guide: https://www.biggerpockets.com/guides/ultimate-real-estate-investing-guide/introduction2.

As for finding a contractor, asking local investors for recommendations is a great start.

As inflation drives rent growth, properties in stable markets like the Midwest can continue to deliver returns even in higher-rate environments.Market Conditions Favor Real Estate RecoveryThe commercial real estate (CRE) market has faced significant challenges in recent years, but signs point to a recovery:Bottom of the Market Cycle: CRE appears to have reached its low point in late 2024, with 2025 marking the start of a slow recovery phase.Limited New Supply: High interest rates have curtailed new construction, which should drive rent growth in the coming years.Policy Changes on the Horizon: There is growing discussion about potential policy shifts under the new administration, including a return of 100% bonus depreciation and lower interest rates.

Quote from @Dennis Bragg: Hey Josh, thanks for jumping in with such a bold approach.. it’s not every day you see someone your age pushing for a luxury twist on a single family rental.

Start looking for someone near you that you trust and you can partner with on a deal.

Great start to life. 

As you can see, the median rent MoM has jumped from $1388 to $1,500 and after a conversation with our leasing team, they have been the busiest they have been in a few weeks, leasing multiple properties with increased rates and in little time on the market for rent.

I didn’t just wake up and start bagging deals and becoming an all-around cheerleader for success.