Dont massage the numbers to make it work.

Good QIs charge for 1031s and make it a point to answer questions willingly and thoroughly to enhance the clients experience rather than try to turn consulting itself into a revenue source.

I would:1) Use cash flow to enhance adequate cash reserves.2) Look for opportunities to earn more than 5.50%.3) Keep debt on the property, it is also asset protection.

Of course it's much better you know local people or if you know people you do and if you have the right connections to access leverage to enhance your returns. 

My portfolio of performing mortgage notes yield 16.5% annually, enhanced by two notes I purchased at significant discount, and one that matured and the borrower is paying the default rate.

It takes about two months of training to be certified as a financial planner and two years to be certified as a massage therapist .

Leasing out the back parking area to others will further enhance the cash flow.

I also noticed Wilmington has a comprehensive plan for 2028 city development regarding mild restructuring of public transportation that may enhance the city a bit.Does anyone have any thoughts regarding which market might be better to tap into as a new investor?

Thats what I was expecting is that it was not a traditional FICO score or mortgage enhanced version. 

@Kasan Kelley Find a job part time or full time that will enhance your real estate knowledge/learning curve and while at said job aggressively save for your first investment.