I met guys who were “reservist” but just kept extended AD orders and were retiring soon.

The only defense is saving, reserves, and insurance. 

It is difficult to recapture the electrical savings from the tenants. 

Time you spend matter (successful wholesalers who want to save money on DM engage in Cold Calling.

Low income neighborhood; save on taxes How did you find this deal and how did you negotiate it?

The biggest ways IMO are MLS data, multiple solutions for sellers (off market cash deal or listing), ability to rep. yourself on your own deals (saving on commission).Commission savings adds up fast when you're doing multiple deals a year.That being said, there is cost to having a license so if you're only doing a couple deals a year then it might not make as much sense.

@Greg Hammond not paying capital gains is enticing for sure, but you’re only saving $40k.

Now, if for whatever reason this was a fair allocation, and the 5-yr property indeed lost 90% of its value while in our hands - then the impressive tax savings they boasted about would be valid as well. 

He can walk you through various tax savings scenariosGino

Use that savings to move your family to a much more affordable situation.