If you're tax bill is $6-8k (minus the 1031 fees), surely you can make that up by taking multiple swings over a longer period of time.OR pursue some sort of owner occupied strategy with that cash if you can swing a live in flip or house hack.

No simple lazy-hacks to say it's worth-it because it's "cheap" vs previous price.

For yourself, I'd save up enough to be able to house hack, and then house hack.Hope that helps.  

House hack if you can, pool funds for a local investment if you can't (get an agreed exit plan in place first).Remember, you may not even like being a landlord.

By adopting the house-hacking method—living in one unit while renting out the others—we plan for the tenants to cover the mortgage and gain valuable property management experience.

First two properties I house hacked, allowing me to put down very little.

House hacking is a great way to get started! 

If the numbers aren't there yet, I'd suggest focus on growing your income, look into house hacking as previously suggested, or consider partnering with other investors who can qualify for the loans.

My goal was simple: house hack, and after a year browse to hopefully repeat.

This would be the ultimate goal if you are house hacking to lease all the units once you vacate.