I would have liked to see residential as part of the project, to create a true mixed use neighborhood.

This usually shows what is the highest and best use of your center and what is missing in the area for tenant mix.

I have also considered that option but had heard mixed answers on if a 1031 could be split into multiple properties.

A mix of both?

We also fixed up our first owner occupied houses, lived in them for 2 years to get the capital gains taxes excluded and rolled those funds into the mix.  

Those will cash flow nicely, but there isn't as much on the equity capture, so it's a mixed bag depending on your goals.An alternative in the meantime is to look into being a passive investor on other larger properties that have lead investors and watch how they run the syndication and their plan to improve the property.

I am very mixed with what my next steps should be, the property is a 3 hour flight from me so it is not crazy far, but I wouldn't be able to manage it on my own and would of course need a property manager.I'd love to hear from everyone to see what more experienced real estate individuals think.

Did you use a mix of private and hard money?

Condos are fine but make sure you understand all the HOA rules and fees prior to committing to a purchase.I know BP members have mix feelings toward condos, some just avoid them and there are some that’s all they buy.Also be aware you might have less Finance Options if majority of owners in Condo are investors..

It is in an area that zoning works out (currently mixed use commercial + primary residence SFH) and is 'up and coming' by encouraging density.