Sell one property with the capital gains tax exemption.

., but I bought this book to gain more knowledge to use in my own investments.

Read the book "Linked" to gain an understanding of network theory.

I get bored pretty easily, so I like to reposition when it makes sense...either taking capital gains or working through a 1031.I don't need the cash flow, so control of assets is my primary concern...different than what 99% of "investors" will tell you...In general, there is no better way to control assets than through purchase money mortgages.

Your investment in that house is super small but the knowledge you will gain will be very large.

I also was considering selling some of my after tax investments but then I would need to pay capital gains on that money.I searched around the forum and could only find posts targeted at heloc vs. home equity loan so if i missed it and someone has a link I would appreciate it!

With debt free you lose a little arbitrage on interest but gain a lot of security and control. 

I know I’d have to join an agency to gain access to MLS, though, or pay out of pocket, but I don’t know.

Hey awsome investors, I'm a newbie in portland OR, what would be a good strategy to start with to gain any experience in real estate investing?

Being a young guy myself, a bad trend I see is that many people are skipping out on gaining actual "SKILL."