Now I know there are a great number of people here with wisdom and knowledge, so I would like to ask would you focus on investing and paying down consumer debt ?

A 1031 is done for like properties, I'd have to investigate it, but raw land may not be like kind for multi-family units.You didn't mention the amount of the gain, if you're at about 500K, you might check on a charitable remainder trust taking a smaller bite now and using funds for property in the trust, if it is a forever property.....see your attorneyYou might offset the gain by seller financing long term and applying the interest as well as principal to the other debt (or not) but the gain would only apply to the % or the principal received over the term.

in the case of a bankruptcy trustee seizing a debtor's real property to pay creditors, what happens if that property has a tax lien held by a tax lien investor?

Many agencies advertise that they are able to remove debt or "fix" credit history, but removal of correct information is not allowed.

If you want a great DSCR ratio then use no debt.

Otherwise, don't get people down without providing info on how to get back up.In fact, I tell my clients that if the choice is between paying off debt or keeping cash but a higher mortgage balance...KEEP THE CASH and make just the payment you HAVE to, because cash is king.

If you use an accrual method, you report your income when you earn it, therefore you can take a deduction on your tax return.You do not report the debtor to the IRS on form 1099.

As far as a 1099 yes the lender will write off the loss and send the debtor a 1099 (almost always) which is treated as income and taxable by the debtor… However, there is a new law that just went into effect and under the right circumstances it makes it so the lender can not 1099 the debtor.

Let’s not forget who the largest debtor is.

I'm really glad to see another younger person involved in real estate and investing.I pretty much have the same situation as you, my mother is supportive, and no one in my school of 2500 students has a clue what any of this is.I'll tell you, from my personal experience, people (most the time) view you as a very driven individual and are impressed.Ive yet to receive a negative experience due to my age.unfortunately, I'm only 15, but my mom is willing to sign my contracts and basically be my business partner.Starting out young is the best thing you can do, you can re-invest many of your profits since you don't have debt or a family to feed.Congratulation's on your investments ($5,000 is pretty decent for 17)and keep learning.