Then, when you look at your crystal ball for 5 years from now, what do you see?

My crystal ball says higher loan rates in the future.

Okay, don't yell at me. I know we're not supposed to estimate appreciation but....

We are still reviewing multiple properties and trying to decide whether to buy or not. All of these properties cash flow, all are in...

@LaRon Phillips , @Crystal Smith has gave you a good solution.

I sat down with out of state investors the other day looking to place 900k in Birmingham and after looking at the list of properties they were presented to buy from a 'turnkey' expert, I had to tell them the truth about that junk list.Instinctively they thought something was wrong when they visited and saw burned down houses on the same street and a lot of vacant properties.I'm not saying these houses you're looking at are junk...but what I am saying is you need to be crystal clear on the neighborhood, the condition of the houses and the type of tenant placed in the house.All it takes is a couple of months of slow pay, then no pay and then you've got an eviction on your hands.

Thanks @Crystal Smith - Agreed.  

Thanks Crystal!

Thanks @Crystal Smith!

Even greater than the tax savings and return boost of the 1031 is the opportunity it gives you to shelter your real estate where it will do the best at the time - providing your crystal ball is functioning.

I'm going to talk this through with him and make it crystal clear that it's a business transaction for me and discuss options up front with him.Once again, many thanks for all the input.