Really your advantage is using your legal prowess to better appraise future deals. 

I would suggest giving it up and just hire an agent when you are ready to transact in the future.

And that's the very WORNG thought path too many have coming into such, they think it assures future returns. 

And I hope that is more future readers of this post, and on BP. 

Once you've identified what's important and what ratios to look for to evaluate a property, all future deals should be weighted against those "good" ratios/numbers - and periodically adjust to suit your goals.

Luckily you will be in a class and larger group of investors and future investors looking for a good deal to participate in. 

Good luck with your future endeavors! 

Will you look to upgrade the property and then refi in the future?

We're exploring creative ways to provide him with the cash needed for the down payment while avoiding triggering a taxable event.One strategy we're considering is purchasing his future primary residence ourselves, making the mortgage payments, and then, once we've built enough equity—comparable to the appraised value of his rental properties—transferring the title to him as a form of exchange.What are your thoughts on this approach?

I would recommend you and your husband get on the same page about future investing goals.