Between negotiating with the bank, squatters, the homeowner and other various companies I was exhausted, but I did not let it overcome me.

So I have no tax incentive for a 529 but several years ago after exhaustive research I settled on Utah's program.  

Darren,This topic has been gone into exhaustively fairly recently.

If your properties cannot withstand at least a 10% reduction in rents and still cash flow they might be over leveraged. 

However, before I jump off the deep end, I'm considering ways to make the properties more durable and able to withstand wear and tear.For instance, instead of using carpet, refinish & stain the wood floors.

The "surplus" generated is paid to junior lien holder claimants in a pro-tanto order, if any, until secured junior claimants are exhausted. 

I would not use a skiptrace unless you have EXHAUSTED your resources.

It's an exhausting, and years-long effort (or at least it was in my case), and you will STILL be disappointed at the end of the day by the failure to take action on the part of some of those you volunteer on behalf of.

The 401k would not allow him access to income until 59 1/2 yrs old (not withstanding a 72t option).

In my case, since I'm a pretty new buy and hold investor, I've often been advised to continue to acquire properties on my own and exhaust all of my capital/financing resources first before taking on a partner.