My question is that due to numerous unfortunate circumstances, two properties that my partner and I purchased (through a program) were underscoped, and we cannot move forward financially.

Does anyone have any advice for people starting out in this competitive field?

The program is neither good nor bad, there's just different pros & cons compared to cash paying tenants.Have offered to schedule a call with you numerous times to try and assist you, but you seem to prefer posting & posting & posting - which will take so much longer:(What are the chances you'll actually invest someday, given how long it's taking you to do basic research?

I’m here to connect with like-minded individuals, gain insights from others, and contribute value wherever I can in the real estate field.

But the entire §1031 field is very misunderstood, and opaque.  

With the numerous investors on this forum they have done this to, it is probably just the tip of the iceberg. 

It also allows you to search 400 property and property owner consumer fields, in addition to being a driving for dollars tool.

Most fields in the real estate world will unless you are an employee to a business.

I work in the technology field as a windows systems admin.

We have a Chicago general contracting business, and handling the field operations is a ridiculously heavy lift.As far as finding customers I think you'll have some good success with gorillia marking at some of the local investor meetups.