Quote from @Jim Bryant: This is why it's important to understand how the legal system works before investing in an area.

I don’t understand how you can have 13 rentals that are paid off and a primary residence that is paid off and still need more cashflow.

However, if you're saying the one is leaving but they still plan on paying their portion of the rent that seems odd to me....

If anyone is willing to share their experiences, advice, or point me towards resources that could help in understanding the market better, I would be immensely grateful.

Building a network here can open doors to partnerships, mentorships, and local insights.3.Explore the Blogs and Podcasts: BiggerPockets has tons of content—blogs, podcasts, webinars—that cover everything from beginner strategies to advanced investment tactics.4.Utilize the Deal Analysis Tools: If you’re considering an investment, the deal analysis calculators are invaluable for running numbers and understanding potential returns.5.Set Clear Goals: Define what you want to achieve, whether it’s learning a specific strategy or connecting with certain types of investors.

For the most part, I think I understand the basic idea of a 1031 Exchange.

This will help you understand their motivations, which can be crucial in negotiations.

You're smart for recognizing the importance of building relationships...very few wholesalers in my area understand this. 

The key will be to remain flexible, understand the local market dynamics, and position themselves to take advantage of the eventual boom when the project comes to life in 2025.

This is a two-way interview, so have a short list of questions to ask the mentor (What books do you recommend I read to gain a better understanding?