Im trying to approach different ways of trying to get my portfolio built before I retire in 11 years with at least 22 properties (single family and multi family along with residential and commercial properties) on the books so i see no loss in income but a gain in income.

But still simply exchanging into a property with identical cash flow and all would net you more each month.The key of course is that you do it without triggering a recognition of gain.

I would think your a slam dunk at a bank.. but Visio is for real.and your smart to know that there are all sorts of fake lenders on the internet.good place to start is to see if they are licensed and then look up their license.. also dont let the tax dog wag your tail.. sometimes its best just to take your cash pay cap gains at these historic low rates then to buy something that is not going to do much for you.and if you don't get the benefit of no state income tax in Texas i would be cautious with that state prop tax's and other weather issues. 

Kind of sleezy to try to co opt the meet up process for your gain.  

Huge THANK YOU for all your valuable contributions.

My goal is to hustle and gain the knowledge it takes to succeed as a real estate investor. 

If you haven't already, I would actually suggest trying to gain some experience flipping houses first - even if it's by assisting pr partnering with another investor on a few flips, to learn the lay of the land and pad your resume, so to speak.Beyond that, you need to do both actually.

My ultimate end goal is to gain financial freedom through real estate rental properties.

I am a full time carpenter in the union and very eager to put my tools and knowledge to work for myself, and by doing so gain financial freedom.

However, you can only defer the capital gains tax.