Your landlord isn't going to pay any after hours, or weekend repair rates, and so you are most likely going to have to pay for those out of your own pocket, even though it's technically not your responsibility. 

Whether is taking his "course", paying for the self written articles about his success or aka writing "puff pieces", buying fake Instagram followers, sitting on FB marketplace trying to get someone to pay for a house they don't know is condemnable and pay to have DJ remodel it and DJ never completing the remodel,  him spending an enormous time defending himself in small claims court, and threatening charges on  people that don't know law so they pay what he wants.All of those examples came from either my observation, experience, or other peoples reviews of him.The guy rented me a condemnable property.

You can search for members and see the agents (alongside everyone else) in Seattle but the only way to show up on a list of agents is to pay Bigger Pockets for advertising (currently $2,000 / 25 leads here in Seattle). 

How do you recommend we go about getting this goal of the ground ?

Getting $450k from a home sale and willing to pay entire year rent upfront.

When we finally move to SD permanently  I plan to refinance, pay it down and reduce the loan.Does this seem like a reasonable plan or should I allow the 3% rate to lock me into that rental even though I want to use that equity to buy in SD rather than wait several more years, till I save up more for a down payment to buy in SD?

I mention this for visibility into the amount borrowed vs the individual's personal assets.Current language in contract: The Guarantors, known as John Smith, of Street Address, Coral Springs, FL 33071 agree to be liable and pay the Borrowed Amount, including principal and interest, in the event of the Debtor’s default.

After you win a bid you have to pay for the property with certified check till 1 PM next day plus 119$ court fee.

If they pay their bills that is your only concern. 

With these changes, the portfolio is now expected to be about -$2,300 / month cash flow.I am considering a few options and would love this communities opinions:Option 1) Sell property 1 to pay entire mortgage of property 5 (highest interest rate) -- Pro: Improves cash flow by ~$1,600 / month.