Originally posted by @Kevin Lee Lawrence:My understanding is lease options are very effective in a buyer's market which is certainly not right now.

. - You will be at risk of breaking the law, as many states are creating laws that effectively ban wholesaling, and while wholesaling gurus claim that this is not the case, they are either lying or deluded.

Being abroad adds risk to your file and terms will be effected in some way or another.  

Even the most expensive property managers are EXTREMELY cost effective if you really think about it!

> 5+ SFHI meant more like buying multiple houses to mimic the benefits of multi-family when it comes to vacancy risk + PM cost effectiveness.

I have been in the real estate investment business my entire adult life and struggle to get a MF deal done.

You also will still need to manage your property manager  - ie, stay on top of expenses, ensuring your property is being managed effectively etc. 

Our clients have used 1031 exchanges very effectively when they have a property that turns out to not be the right fit for them.

That will likely be one of the side effects of improving your property and should be accounted for in your analysis.

Couple in their sixties with 3 adult male children.