delay and collect 

Does anyone have any ideas on how to minimize that tax liability and still continue with my original intent, or is my only option a 1031 (I'm aware of DST but don't see that as a great option).  

If you are not a real estate professional and bonus depreciation is limited to 40% starting Jan 1, the tax benefits are going to be pretty minimal unless I am missing something. 

I've spent the last year or so (on and off) looking for my first investment property to house hack but have had minimal luck.

So when the foreclosure is attempted they end up getting cancelled and it creates the Zombie foreclosure.What would be interesting is finding a way to easily locate a list of zombie foreclosures.John I had my first one as well. got contacted and owner said bank just mailed the deed.. saying they delayed foreclosure to long.. the seller was about to lose it in 48 hours at tax sale  so I cured that.. and then did a JV with him taxs were 20 some grand.. 

What really bothers me is these so-called gurus are all using the same model... entice you with glitz and glamour of how you can become a "Real Estate Genius" by using there systems only to find out after you have paid thousands of dollars to them most of the info they teach can be found for free or at least minimal costs.  

Occasionally you will get no occupation which if they fill in an agency or other info is fine but you have to have minimal data.

Expect buyers to experience delays as new flippers scramble to navigate these requirements and pin down reputable contractors willing to handle the work within reasonable timelines and budgets.3.

My definition of market rent is the price where I can READILY (without delay) find and KEEP a GOOD QUALIFIED tenant.

You can purchase the first one with a private loan from your dad or cash to minimize risk, and leverage a second or third property with a bank loan and the rest of your cash.