. :) Without going into too much detail on the tax code, we know that 1)  less than 7 days or less and 2) 30 days or less are two of the 6 exceptions to rental activity provided for passive activity purpose.

I don't think it is wise to look at the 5 year appreciation numbers for SD and compare them with cash flow in the midwest.

However, the purpose of a 1031 is for holding rental properties.

To summarize a response to your questions(1) Would only pay off student debt if interest rates are >7.5%... else would save money for investment purposes(2) First investment.. duplex or triplex would get you the most income (paying most if not all of your PITI payments). 

Comparable sales in the area can be very misleading unless you know the area. 

Based on my current experience with this compared to #1 and #2.There is an advantage to cutting your teeth on something easier up front...that being said I think you can buy bigger and do a Great Job focusing on inspections to cover your back side, and get best of both worlds.

The purpose for doing this is varied but the biggest reason I have is to be able to give as I desire.

the market is very strong in Margate but I’m not exact on how it compares if you bought at peak. 

I am a relative newbie as well compared to many on this site, but I would glad to offer you any advice that I can to help you get started. 

I read through your blog post and was confused on one sentence where you comparing the difference in waiting vs delayed finance. where does the amount $5,757 come from in the following sentenced pulled from you blog:"ARV: $85,00075%: $63,750HUD: $58,553.36Difference: $5,196.64.