I feel as now its time to take it to the next level and find my own deals as I have been primarily buying from wholesalers.

If you can find an entry level position with a commercial broker or someone like RealPage or Pinnacle I think that could set you up for a great lifetime in real estate.

Apply your energy to learning the business and maximizing your ROI. 

I dont think prices in Elmwood are going to get much higher, if anything theyre more likely to level off a bit.

Do I need to keep the same level of total equity in the replacement properties as it was in the relinquished property ($180,000 - $102,000 = $78,000)2.

Granted I think the stigma of the area is worse than it really is on a macro level, but on a micro level it could be a lot worse. 

Thinking about this from a potential purchaser perspective, purchasing a property that has the main two levels metered separately from the basement could be a positive to someone with an investment mindset...but someone that just wants a vacation property and wants to use the whole property might find this annoying to have two separate bills.

Doesn't need to be level, just flat.Does anyone have any trusted local recommendations?

TIA As odd as it sounds, check the vents at floor level in each room.

The house is a tri-level in a wooded area.