The being said, I feel like there is definitely some middle ground to mitigate risk.

Most mortgage have little affect on principle in the first 10 yrs, so compare that to the estimated current value. 

Then compare .  

Why is the owner selling, where on the north side... what are the market rents in that area...what are comparables worth??

I'm just curious how accurate it is compared to what you all have experienced.

Not saying you will want to build your own but using what you find in a similar way might work well for you, its easy, all your numbers are calculated the same way so its easier to compare each property you evaluate and it's free!

That's pretty affordable compared to the fed and state tax on 87K and depreciation recap.Ned's right - the withholding tax should be waived in the 1031 as MD honors 1031 at the state level. 

Or you can use Zillow to determine the value by comparing the property to other houses that have sold in the area in recent times that are about the same size and condition

One problem with  deploying that money elsewhere is its been a rough go trying ( been looking for awhile..around ATL mainly ) to find deals that actually number out like they would compared to gaining that 1100 per month. 

I give all my ground partners fresh POF's on the first off the month so they can go hunting..