@Samantha Springs Here are some options to help lower the mortgage without refinancing that is worth considering:1. ask your lender to remove the PMI, if you have one, that would help reduce the mortgage.

I know the market from first hand experience.Dallas Ft Worth is a fabulous market, all the data says so.

Is this worth pursuing and how would you structure this?

Quote from @Lucas Martinez: First, I wrote the "immoral" part before remembering they were on a monthly agreement.

Might be worth talking to the people while you are there. 

Is it worth it to hold onto these properties?

The potential risks like unpaid bills and damaged property aren't worth the hassle.

Whatever you decide, remember that appreciation is why you're exploring a 1031 :) 

It will cost you money in the short term to sub-meter the gas, but over the long term it will be worth it in my opinion.

Can anyone give me a candid review to ensure that I wouldn't get burned from this VA company  I’d say they’re worth a shot, an investment that could pay off big.