If I don’t hear from you in the next 10 minutes, I will assume you aren’t attending and I will move on to my next appointment.Using this system as dramatically reduced any wasted time I used to endure as part of the showing process as well as giving me data about their timeliness/responsiveness/respect for others' time.At the showing, I collect their completed application (sent via PDF prior or filled out on premises), scan their photo ID and last 2 pay stubs.Then, I do some digging around online (social media, court records, Google) and if it looks like they are representing themselves to me accurately, I contact them to set up a "contract to hold" meeting - usually the day after the showing since qualified applicants need to be "closed" ASAP.

However if, as an example, you could reinvest the money into a flip or two and endure the debt for a little bit longer you could potentially pay off the debt without your situation changing at all. 

My wife on the other hand is satisfied with and desires only back-office tasks - the things I have absolutely no patience to endure.

As Real Estate investors we are all still a little spooked from 2008, however all the regulations that followed have positioned this asset class to endure a downturn and not suffer a similar fate.

"Ask not for an easy life, but for the strength to endure a difficult one."

One of the big factors in your analysis is the difference between renting this property for a premium but enduring taxes vs the tax free nature of the 1031 allowing you to leverage into two homes with a combined higher rent thus compensating for the taxes.From a 1031 perspective it is perfectly fine to sell a house immediately after you fix it - if you're intent when you bought it was to hold it for productive use.  

A very stark contrast to my prior career where many times I felt like I was just enduring the passing of time waiting for the weekends and a salary check that allowed me to keep paying bills. 

So many view real estate as easy money but the reality is that is requires a lot of time, focus and endurance to make a living at this.

You get paid and learn at the same time.There is no short cut to enduring success.

Education and experience are critical to enduring success in any profession.