Excellent location in Mesa.I shopped around and I found a mortgage broker who was able to get me a 6.99% rate who took the loan to UWM (united wholesale mortgage).I negotiated a $15k seller concession I used for a 1-0 buy down so my rate for 1 year will be 5.99% and then revert to 6.99% for 30yrs. and then we used the rest of the concessions for closing costs. in 6 months or 12 months I will revisit to see if mortgage interest rates dropped significantly to justify a refinance to lock in a lower interest rate.part of the approval process for the Fannie Mae 5% mortgage is to make sure that i could afford this property and that i have good credit, my income is consistent and stable and it reflects that on my tax returns, I have sufficient capital reserves for the subject property and my other 10 Multifamily properties (6 months of PITI for the subject and then it's percentage based off of the loan amounts and how many properties you have)I agree, the more that government "helps" they therefore are increasing pricing.

Most would point to Investor B who has acquired four homes and has 1000% of their initial capital returned. 

Now, property values have dropped—almost to the point where the capital gain tax I avoided through the exchange is offset by the decreased value.Has anyone found an effective 1031 exchange strategy that allows you to take advantage of the tax benefits while still buying the replacement property at a good price?"

But if it’s more substantial, like protecting the floor and adding years to its lifespan, then it’s likely an improvement, which means you’d need to capitalize it unless you can use that safe harbor.

I am based in NJ but I feel nothing will cash flow or be too sustainable unless I put in a higher downpayment.I am looking to do only long term rentals and keep it with Multi-family units in the beginning and then advance to appreciation type properties in developing areas.I was thinking if I should save up more money for a larger down payment or possibly look at a different area to invest since I am NJ and the high property taxes make this hard unless more capital is put down.

Just a heads up.So you calculated out you need  $6 million worth of apartments to hit your goal.A commercial loan may require 20% to 30% down in cash, cash reserves, working capital, and closing costs.You will also need earnest money cash.The lender may also require certain repairs to be done Shortly after the loan is made.The lender may also require the Property to be stabilized as far as occupancy percentage is concerned, leaving little on the bone as far as sweat equity.Good Luck!

The issue is I need a little capital due to another renovation but I can’t cash out refi the lender cause my credit took a dip just below 660.

Too much can go wrong with not having enough capital.

People will deploy their capital where it is treated best. 

Capitalizing on the power of referrals is another essential strategy.