It looks like seller financing would be one idea that I can throw at them to consider to minimize their tax gains. 

If anyone wants to throw 2 cents into the pot I will be glad to listen and learn.

Because you never know what life is going to throw your way, and real estate is the only investment vehicle that I’m aware of that can actually replace your monthly income while providing hope for the future.

So that would have definitely been throwing good money after bad!

The only thing I would throw in there is making sure your OOC duplex can be leveraged out and still pay for itself (all operating expenses included) while you have that cash deployed. 

We have family we can stay with so we're not in a huge rush on the buy side but here are a few ideas we're throwing around.1) Look for a SFH in an area with a lot of appreciation potential in the next few years (thinking Inglewood in light of the new stadium and all the development down there) 2) Look for a 2-4plex in Torrance/Redondo area- live in one, rent the other.3) Look for better cash flow and lower purchase prices out of state- would focus on MF properties.Once we narrow down which direction we're going in, I will absolutely reach out to those offering their services/expertise.

In Savannah due diligence periods are typically anywhere from 7-14 days (you can also offset some of that by requesting "banking days" or "business days," this throws off some sellers but gives you more time if they agree).

The existence of a dry cleaner business on the property will likely throw up a red flag. 

Throw in the fact that renting to a friend/family member often times ends up not working out and/or ruining the relationship, and I'd pass. 

Our biggest struggle is finding a handyman who is flexible enough to respond quickly to issues since we aren't throwing a lot of work their way.