I would assume minimal appreciation during the next 4 years so for an investor (like myself) I would probably only offer a number of around $600k. 

Just tried to hire one myself and they seem so afraid of housing authorities, they have minimal criteria and make no effort to screen.  

But I’d like to be cash flow positive even if minimal.

It is the sad story of being in landlord-unfriendly state.I will definitely try making the repair as minimal as possible until I can evict the tenant more efficiently.

I have been toiling over investing in DST 1031 Exchange vs cashing out by paying capital gains. I have read many DST PPM's and have come to conclusion the Sponsors are the only one that can reliably profit from these ...

Have more open houses to help minimize having to pay a realtor on the selling end Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?

I’m relatively new to this with minimal knowledge from listening to the bigger pockets podcast, but would be grateful to meet any new connections to help me in this journey.

@Robert Rixer, I don't know how creative these are, as many are common plays:Valet TrashFencing in first floor yardsProviding washer and dryers for added rentReserved, Covered parkingTech PackagesInternet and Cable contracts, with reimbursementsPayment Plan rents, with small service charge (i.e. bill 1/4 rent each week)Reserved Rental cabanas at poolPrivate pool party rental optionGolf Simulator in clubhouse - fee basedOn site, self serve car wash (quarter feeder style)Charged group fitness/personal training servicesGame room in clubhouse with monthly subscription for tenants (Xbox, Playstation, etc)Changing out high maintenance grass for astro turf or lower maintenance/lower water use shrubberyBut ultimately, I think a lot of NOI increases come from deep dive into understanding EVERY expense and finding ways to minimize them, and/or no outsource them.Train maintenance team on basic HVAC and appliance repairs (find way to get them licensed as needed)Buy paint sprayers for faster, easier turns versus having to hire a contract painter, and possibly repaint whole unit each timeStandardize all finishes, so you can buy in bulk, everything from hinges and door knobs to cabinets, paint colors, and light fixtures.Potentially get leasing people onto lower base salary with higher bonus potentialBulk/bundled insurance across portfolio (even better at scale is to self insure)Regularly test sprinkler systems for leaks.Non-NOI, but benefit to you: partner with insurance agency to get referral kickbacks from your tenant base for renter insurance.  

But I’d like to be cash flow positive even if minimal. 

After that, the LLC could potentially gift or sell the property to you, which would likely trigger capital gains taxes.Another option could be to transfer ownership gradually through gifting shares of the LLC to you over time, which may help minimize tax impacts.