You could get at max 70k from that deal (minus closing costs).

As discussed the property at the time of closing was occupied.

Everytime you get close to depreciation running out (or want more) you 1031, expand your holdings, and your tax write off. 

Additionally, wages sent directly to a church are not considered charitable contributions—to qualify for a deduction, the employee must receive the income first, pay taxes on it, and then donate to a qualified 501(c)(3) organization while itemizing deductions.The IRS closely scrutinizes arrangements that appear to shift tax liability, and if deemed an attempt to avoid taxation, both the employer and worker could face serious legal consequences.

I usually only have about 2k for closing costs out of pocket.

Avoid PMI and then go to a local credit union and get a heloc after closing to gift the money back.Have this as a tool in your tool belt but pursue use of the 3.5% FHA, knowing that you will be at a competitive disadvantage if you are competing with non FHA buyers, then you can call in the favor from your gift person.Just know that if someone gifts you down payment money, your bank will require them to sign a letter stating that it is in fact a gift that doesn’t need to be paid back.

Additionally I have multiple prospects very close to my existing home that have not been remodeled since construction in the late 1970's.  

To qualify for a loan, focus on having a credit score of at least 620 (or 580 for FHA loans), keeping your total monthly debt under 43% of your income, and saving enough for a down payment and closing costs—about 5-10% of the home's price in total.

Our lot is fenced in and we cannot see where he lives but close enough to be of concern, but we want to stay in the same town until the kids are finished school.So, my question is this, would it make sense to rent our home (roughly $2300-2500/mo. as per real-estate agent claims), with the stipulation that the garage is used for my business AND buy a home nearby?

The advantage with the bank was minimal closing costs, a good interest rate, and a draw system so I could get funding as I completed each rental unit.