My strategy incorporates asset protection measures like LLCs, specific trusts as well as professional property management to spread risk and ensure quality operations.As well as using tax codes to my benfiitSection 179, IRC Section 162, Cost Segregation and Bonus Depreciation and later 1031 them out for larger projects. 

Can you either rent out your current property if there’s been little/no appreciation, or sell it tax free?

The big pro that sticks out to me in Birmingham is the tax rate. 

Hi Steve, where did you get your property tax estimate from?

Finally, short-term rentals can offer potential tax advantages, as many expenses associated with the property may be deductible.

even if its interest only, id want to pay down principal here and there. seems like sellers would offer this interest only route so they have 0 capital gains tax, but id rather pay down a bit of principal in 7yrs. i see its not required but it should allow for principal paydown in promissary note3) any general advice to look out for on seller financing?

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

Intangible assets like goodwill or tangible personal property (e.g., equipment) are excluded from 1031 treatment and are taxed separately—goodwill is typically taxed as a capital gain, while equipment may be subject to depreciation recapture taxed as ordinary income.To minimize taxes on the sale of the business, consider strategies such as Opportunity Zone investments, which defer gains until 2026 if proceeds are reinvested in a Qualified Opportunity Fund (QOF), or structuring the sale as an installment agreement to spread taxable income over multiple years.

Having a CPA who really understands REI and STRs is key for tax strategy and compliance. 

You would have had to be there for at least that to save on the capital gains taxes (up to 250k).