I also don't understand why you would want to tie up your cash so long without the benefits of owning the properties.The scenario of you buying a few now and the rest in a couple years seems to be the most appealing for you both, why are you adverse to that?

Buy a home for $30,000.

Can anyone on there provide any figures for converting a standard fireplace to gas?

They want you to wait a few days to send someone out to look at it then come back in a few days to try part #1.

I have a house that I am looking to rent long term.

To evaluate Real esteate deals for creative financing, start by identifying seller motivations i.e. financial distress, desire for passive income, do they need a downpayment on their next house, etc  and property factors like equity or existing financing terms.

Trying to get a hold of them on the phone/email has been a challenge as well.

See my software guide below.Here's a detailed guide on how to screen applicants: Application Screening GuideMy Landlord forms package includes a septic addendum, or you can try finding one online with a Google search.Anything else I can help with?

Another consideration is that if you do a 1031 exchange back out of CA the state is a "claw-back" state so CA will try to get their capital gains eventually.

@Meshael Eady I sent you a PM, there's a lot to know!