Knows real estate tax write-offs and how I can best apply them!

That may increase your cost or limit the coverage you can get.The Year that the following were updated (either partially or fully) would be good to know:- Heating systems- Roof- Plumbing- electricalSome companies will not write properties with systems that have not been updated.As long as you are living there, the proper policy for a 1-4 family is a "Homeowners" policy.

I won't just write them all here but I highly recommend contacting a qualified 1031 intermediary to walk you through the process.

Quote from @Theresa Harris: Get it in writing, change the locks, get the place listed and find new tenants. 

Also, are they providing the LOI to sign or can you just write your own?

This is obviously much better than $1,400 per month.On top of that, you will now get 2x the depreciation write-off so your taxes should go down.On top of that, you will now get 2x the appreciation when real estate price go up.On top of that, your tenants are helping you pay down the loan, initially at about $100/mo for both properties, which gradually gets better and better.On top of that, you now have more units so if one or two goes vacant, you have more renters covering the losses of the vacant units.If you want to keep these properties, I would do a cash-out refi and go buy more rental real estate.

The reality is the opposite - if it's not in writing then the PMC doesn't have to provide the service or can charge extra for it!

Quote from @Matt Levine: Hey @Benjamin Carver, thanks for the write up.

Buffalo changes very quickly block to block (not just ZIP by ZIP) and it is crucial that you understand this prior to writing any checks. 

Plus, if you have experience in the field, you could/would/should want to write your own anyway, right?