You'll want to learn more ways to increase your income now and in the future, keep your expenses low, and take the difference to invest into assets, real estate/business.My favorite concept from the book for someone in your position is the "Runway".

@Andrew Low in addition to what everyone already said, the concept of OPM is more so to use as little of yours as possible.

@Jason Kenney the concept of "cash-on-cash" returns is basically "How much money do I get from investing a certain amount of money".So in your example above, your "cash-on-cash" return is infinity.  

The crawl space was not really properly constructed in that was build with some basement concepts and come crawl space concepts. e.g. the insulation was in the joists with facing down - yet the mechanicals below that and with the opening to the basement, it is a "semi heated space" - which is good because the water lines are not insulated.

Plus the fact you were able to expand that concept means you must’ve been on to something! 

I would love to be proof of this concept.

I haven't completed a 1031 in the past and don't really have much concept of cost.

There are lenders/brokers all across this forum that are familiar with the concept, but the product/program they actually offer could have some minor differences between each other that make a big impact on you and your scenario (loan level pricing adjustments like experience, LTV, & FICO requirements, etc).  

I like to find bargains and "out of the box" deals but in my mind, the concept of buying the cheapest home in the nicest neighborhood still makes a lot of sense.

Living room -- open concept cathedral ceiling2.