I am the owner of DealMachine and take personal responsibility for making sure we communicate clearly and have issued a refund to you (the initial charge was April 2023 and it is 2025 now... sorry it took so long to see this).Direct mail is a hard cost, so when you send out direct mail, you get the first 20 free during the free trial. 

I'm based out of Raleigh and personally own rental properties in Fayetteville, Benson and Clayton and could offer some friendly advice and help out with your journey. 

There is no point in doing a 1031 exchange if you expect a loss from the transaction.A 1031 is meant to defer your gain.There are numbers which you can analyze and stress which is not easy to analyze.It looks like you are stressed with this investment and I would sell.I personally, however, would look to make the improvement for $10,000 to get one of the other units up and running.

I used an FHA loan but I am concerned about accepting rental payments into my personal bank account. 

Market timing, properly acquired property, personal capital available How did you find this deal and how did you negotiate it?

Move-Out Checklist for Investment PropertyA well-structured move-out checklist helps protect your investment, ensures a smooth tenant transition, and reduces turnover costs.Tenant Responsibilities (Before Move-Out)✅ Provide written notice of intent to vacate (per lease terms)✅ Schedule a move-out inspection (if required)✅ Pay all outstanding rent and utilities✅ Remove all personal belongings and trash✅ Clean the unit thoroughly:Wipe down walls, baseboards, and doorsVacuum and mop floorsClean kitchen appliances (inside/out)Wipe down cabinets and countertopsScrub bathroom sinks, toilets, showers/tubs✅ Replace any missing or burned-out light bulbs✅ Repair any tenant-caused damage (holes, broken blinds, etc.)✅ Return all keys, garage remotes, and access cards✅ Provide a forwarding address for the security deposit refundLandlord/Property Manager Responsibilities✅ Conduct a pre-move-out inspection (optional)✅ Take photos/videos of the property’s condition✅ Verify all keys, garage remotes, and access cards are returned✅ Check for unpaid rent, utilities, or damages beyond normal wear and tear✅ Hire a cleaning service (if needed)✅ Complete repairs and maintenance (paint, flooring, appliances, HVAC, plumbing)✅ Change locks if required by state law or property policy✅ Test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms✅ Review lease terms for security deposit deductions✅ Send tenant security deposit refund (minus any deductions) within the legal timeframe

My lender who I've personally worked with for over 5+ years now.

In person control before controlling re from the distance.

I’ve personally gutted and rehabbed three of my own houses, and for the last three years, I’ve been hands-on managing my own rental properties.

You need to be able to talk with strangers over the phone or in person to build rapport.