There's a good chance the issue(s) you face has already been discussed and answered.Ask questions in the appropriate forum.

One question for the community is: What are the next best steps I should take to further educate myself and get started in this industry to set myself up for future success?

@Richard StewartThat is not what we use it for, so cannot answer that question.

I don't hear a goal in your question, so I assume you just want a better return, which means you should look for new investment properties that will perform better, then you can do a 1031 exchange to move your equity.4.

Quick question on those who have done seller financing:- Buying a 0.3 acre downtown fort lauderdale multi family, negotiated an around 1M price w lot of development rights, double lot. seller got it way back early 90s for pennies- got good credit 800+, w2 job etc put 40% down and mortgage bank offered 6.62% 30yr fixed (CF negative as this would make current rent roll not too much compared to the PITI)- property is in ok condition, needs 20-30k repairs which seller OKd, and all 3 tenants are month to month, pay bit under market but also ok- seller would like to do seller financing, interest only at 5.75%, 30yr amortization at 7yr balloon (CF would be positive) - id be paying some principal as well, just to grow some equity- buying this deal for the future development of the area (las olas, kushner broward crossing) so not really worried even if we overpay for it now, but never done creative finance as i always relied on a strong W2 job to get good loans but obv im used to 3% 30yr rates from covid times not this 6+ environment..Goal is to hold the property 3-5yrs, and then actually develop it or sell half the land / refinance, pull out HELOC if it appreciates.Questions:1) What does he know that i dont? 

Happy to connect and answer any questions you have!

If you'd ask this question while still employed I'd say apply the $8500 toward knocking down the debt quicker but since that is not the case I would build up your reserves to about 6 months then begin applying those funds to bring down the debt. 

What sorts of questions can I ask her to learn how much risk this is? 

Essentially the only people who CHOOSE to move in the winter months are getting evicted from other people’s houses.

But to answer your question, yes you can use a DSCR loan on a 1031 exchange transaction.