As Nick stated - have you considered getting in on some passive joint venture deals or syndications?

I would be filing married filing jointly. 

@Michael Putman you need to give a little bit more details whether you are going to do a syndication or a joint venture.

Let dry at least 2 hours.Repair any gouges or problems you see in the ceiling with all-purpose joint-compound.

You should consider investing out of state where its cheaper and cash flows are solid (TX and OK) or taking a portion of your cash and investing in joint ventures partnering on deals.

@Karan Chandran you could do a joint venture with someone that lives locally in the market you are interested in or try finding a “boots on the ground” person, whether that’s a recommended property manager or a friend who will look out for things for you.

@Rachel Campagnolo, If you file a joint tax return then the fed sees both of you as the same tax payer for 1031 treatment. 

We file Jointly.

Yes.Class A/B are the bee's knees.

However he only got pre-approval for 175,000 we did not approve jointly only he did.