And I feel the ideal portfolio can benefit from the diversification of both.I feel directly owned properties are great because they give me maximum control and the ability to tweak them exactly how I want.

We're right next to CA but get the benefits of no state income tax, 4th lowest property taxes, much more friendly landlord/tenant laws, no serious weather, proximity to Lake Tahoe, stable job growth/population growth, etc. 

To see how much a 1031 exchange will benefit you in a sale you must first calculate the performance of your current property.

Yeah, after brokering 300+ DSCR loans, I'm finding they are good for 1-4 units mainly.

Other advice, especially that pertaining to tax benefits, is also highly appreciated!

The benefits of the DSCR vs.

I hate to say this, but if you want to get a job with Yardi as the main software, you will need to start at the entry-level accounting.

On utilities, I bought a foreclosure in NJ and found out it was not attached to Town sewer and I actually had to extend the main line up to my property then put the lateral in and abandon an old cesspool.  

At this stage, the main thing we need is for me to get back into the workforce and get some money coming in, in order to achieve that dream.With that in mind, my immediate goal is to gain employment in the field of property management, as opposed to wasting my time working in another field that is not associated with real estate.

There are landlords who are proud to own properties while offering their communities a nice and safe place to live (and enjoying the benefits of having someone else pay for your appreciating asset).