@Charles Biter  hit the nail on the head with "you need to find the deals that others cant" Do some research on how to market to motivated sellers...once you find a good enough deal the money will follow.  

You hit the nail on the head right there.

Any amount you buy down will not affect the integrity of your 1031 but you will pay tax on the difference.I think @Robert Hetsler, nailed in on the 200% rule.  

I'm not suggesting I would want to do that, I'm just still trying to nail down these concepts... 

Then coming to the almost end and biting your nails, trying to figure out where to get the funds for the lighting and kitchen countertop etc, knowing that you can't refinance until it's finished. 

Leaks would be the main reason if the reason for the leak cannot be found in a rental (sometimes a "popped" roofing nail is all that is the cause of the leak).For many landlords, patching a leaking area is often considered before replacement since the cost of patching can be taken off as a repair on taxes which roof replacement is typically depreciated over a number of years.Gail

Mine are closer to 8000 and that was fighting tooth and nail.

@Dustin Cook nailed it.

Now each trip to Home Depot, for small items like a box of nails, next trip to get some glue, each one of those gets one line (not every item per receipt), one foreman goes 3-5 trips a day, each crew has 1 foreman and maybe 4-18 guys, I have 3 crews.

Justin R hit the nail on the head.A few ideas based on my buying and selling 1000's of units:1.