Mayor Marty Walsh has just filed a regulation for Boston that allows OWNER OCCUPIED short term rentals to continue - with annual fees, of course.However, for non owner occupied / investor-owned STRs, the proposed regulation would require the investor to get the property reclassified from residential to commercial. 

Also with the 4 existing properties they are all section 8 so we haven't had experience with non payments and have been fortunate with tenants who have appreciated the rehabbed properties. 

Coming from a non construction type experience and expertise, I believe this is definitely something most people can study learn and find deals from.

But you can't exchange for the non-real estate assets of a gym.

Small office is the wrong place many agents will not have the time and small office broker may interpret any non-producing agents are surplus.

The project I had wanted to do requires a Whiteville sewer tap, so my non-subdivision, 10 door (townhome or SFR) project is on hold until I can dedicate time and energy to get it moving. 

That fits the definition of property eligible for 1031 treatment and I think you've got a good case. 

Are you allowed to charge tenants a non-refundable fee up front to help defray that cost?

I lease optioned it for a $3,000 non refundable lease option fee and $60,000 purchase price.

@Robert Carraway  my niche has always been performing.. others do the heavy lifting and go for the Non performers.. me I am lazy :)  but we don't make Quite as much and frankly the folks we work with if you even mentioned non performing in any manner would run for the hills they want solid performers with good payors..