Be sure to explore all around the forums as well as many of the FREE tools that Bigger Pockets provides.I am on the lending side of things and am always happy to hop on a call to discuss loan options that are out there, even if not offered by my resources.

I made a free Chicago House Hacking Guide if you want to download that (see link on my profile).

This will free you up to get a loan in the 2 or 3% range... even in 2025! 

I am not sure if I should stay local to my market.

What systems or tools should I set up to stay organized?

However, purchasing the replacement property from an estate where your mother-in-law is the executor and other heirs are your wife's aunts and cousins raises potential related-party concerns under Section 1031(f).The IRS generally prohibits 1031 exchanges between related parties unless both the buyer and seller hold their respective properties for at least two years after the exchange.To stay compliant and avoid disqualification, ensure:The estate sells the property directly before any distributions to heirs.You hold the replacement property for at least two years.The transaction is conducted at fair market value with no prearranged agreements.Given the IRS scrutiny of related-party 1031 exchanges, consult a qualified CPA or 1031 exchange accommodator to structure the deal properly and avoid potential capital gains tax liabilities.This post does not create a CPA-Client relationship.

•Mid-term rentals (30+ day stays) can be another fallback option, especially for traveling nurses, corporate workers, and digital nomads.5.

The first house I bought, I lived there rent free, AND mortgage free, while renting rooms to other people.

For running numbers have your realtor if he invests run through it with you or use one of the free investor calculators on BP. 

If that works you may end up with tenants who stay longer and fewer vacancies.