Took me longer but I didn't like the contractor I used, and unfortunately he took advantage of my kindness.

If you have self-directed accounts and are your own custodian, this burden is on you.Use your employer's tax-advantaged benefits.

Here are a few suggestions on how you can maximize the wealth of information available: Check out the blogs and podcasts, or take advantage of the search feature (magnifying glass).

The biggest advantage of using someone local to where you're buying is that they will understand taxes, insurance, and similar items very well when it comes to DTI/DSCR calculations and payment quotes, and they will likely have a local network of service providers for ancillary services (survey, inspections, etc).

So for example, a 761 credit score will be in the 760-779 credit category, then going down to 740-759 and so on.2.

This strategy takes advantage of forced appreciation & favorable primary residence financing. 

As a wholesaler, hopefully hearing from some of you with experience with these sites, what are the advantages or disadvantages of each of these sites respectively... as far as which search criteria to use on each platform?

As most investors seek to do in real estate, we want to generate positive passive income through multiple avenues such as equity, cash flow, and even tax advantages.  

I think the ability for the lower cost places in the midwest to 'cash flow' has been way, way overstated.If you know a market well though, that's definitely an advantage.

Here’s how I’d think about it:Option 1 - Proceed with the 1031 Exchange:The main advantage is deferring those capital gains taxes and keeping more capital working for you.