@Tasha Pams, You cannot charge a finder's fee for finding properties unless you have an active Alabama real estate license. 

@Ted Strzelecki I've actively helped the developers and investors I've worked with make millions of dollars over the years by identifying properties for them and then bringing those properties to them...

I am certainly not an expert at Alabama law, but I'm guessing that if he is actively soliciting you (without him being your friend or cousin doing you a favor) then he's supposed to be licensed. 

In my opinion, I don't think condos necessarily take out any stress for a new investor.

I have been looking for good active real estate investor associations, meetups, clubs, etc. for my business partner and I to attend.

Which would relieve you of part/all of the 1031 obligations?

IMO if you chose #1 now you can always choose options #2 or #4 six months(maybe a year) down the road, pull all your 60K back out plus what ever appreciation you have(if any) and move forward. to me in option #3 you said paying interest bothers you and option 1 solves that problem, gives you practice with a new tenant so if they don't pay or u have problems you don't have 2 bills( your old mortgage and your new mortgage) to manage along with the stress(of kicking out your friend and finding a new tenant) just the one mortgage that your fiance already has within his budget(because your 60K didnt' factor into bank financing so you found a home to move to that was within his budget alone(even more safety net) or at least lower mortgage payment and house than if you had 60K to use to buy-down another home. but i digress....Option #1 is less stress , less interest payments,and less of your money with 2 options left over at a later date. like joe said your 60K is safely locked away in the home(minus depreciation) which you can always pull out later on when you are more risk-prove.Still your choice but that my point of view.Good luck!

My "Why" is because I want to continue to be an active mom in my children's lives (more specifically...not to miss school events, milestones, and just spending time with them), to be able to leave something behind for them (and future generations) that they can build on/take over if they want, and to continue to fulfill my wanderlust as much as possible.       

This may not seem like "income producing" activity at the moment, but it's critical for putting yourself in a position to generate revenue.2) Get to know the buyers in your area. 

I have one advice for you: if you have some capital to deploy in marketing activities to get leads and the patience to wait for over a year or even two to make money, then wholesale.