I just let the insurance handle it. 

This will save you time and effort, as you won’t have to travel long distances to manage different properties or handle tenant issues.For your first investment, I suggest starting with 2-4 unit properties.

Your plan to handle the strategic aspects remotely while a property manager handles onsite issues is smart, and as long as you log your work and stay hands-on, you’ll likely qualify for active status.

As expected, consulting with your CPA and the qualified intermediary (QI) handling the exchange is best advised.

We would like to learn about how we should have went about it so that we can purchase more properties, minimize mistakes, and reduce our reliance on corporate life.

. $300sqft to build at least.If you have any sort of mortgage on the property you will need an attorney to handle the mountain of paperwork the bank will give you for a lien release. 10k+, also probably some nightmare terms to have to build and sell immediately and god knows what.At this point a year has passed and you have spent at least $60,000 cash, you're about to break ground on a structure that will cost you at the very least $400,000 to build, you are still 1 year away from cashing out because you have to now build a house.

Here are a few strategies to consider for funding a down payment:Partnering: Like Gregory mentioned, finding a partner who can contribute to the down payment in exchange for equity or a profit share is a solid option.HELOC or Cash-Out Refi: If you have equity in your home or another property, a home equity line of credit (HELOC) or cash-out refinance can provide the funds you need.Private Money: Reach out to friends, family, or private investors who may be interested in lending you the down payment with a promissory note.Seller Second: In some cases, the seller might agree to finance a portion of the down payment as a second mortgage.Live Frugally and Save: It takes time, but reducing expenses and setting aside funds from your income is a tried-and-true method.The right approach depends on your situation and deal structure, but a mix of creativity and resourcefulness can go a long way.

Some used more creative ways to handle the needs but it is still a capital call and dilutes the return (if anything left). 

A professional property manager should handle the heavy lifting, ensuring your investment is protected and profitable without adding stress to your plate.

You never skip interest, you just reduce principal by $600 so you pay less interest.