Get a nice downpayment (lower LTV better)Hope this helps

Then we could get rid of that $150 renewal fee that involves sending a 1 page form email saying pick an option.

We are budget conscious and don't want to spend much on the interior by going with a general contractors(that will be the last option).

It was my only option because I had limited funds and wanted a better future than my day job alone was going to provide.

A 1031 exchange doesn’t apply, but funding through a self-directed IRA can defer taxes, though profits from debt financing may trigger UBIT.To reduce taxes, consider forming an LLC for better expense deductions, offsetting gains with investment losses, or holding the property for 12+ months to qualify for lower long-term capital gains rates.This post does not create a CPA-Client relationship.

Be prepared that they will be promoting an optional mentorship program at the end.

Also, after a year, the mortgage hasn't been paid down by much, especially if it's a 30 year mortgage.The only challenge you may run into is if you purchased it using a low or no money down mortgage option like FHA or VA lending.

I'm a lender and can help answer questions if you want to discuss options. 

Your starting depreciable basis should have been the LOWER of what you paid or the FMV in 2010 when you converted it to a condo. 

I am slowly going crazy with how expensive Massachusetts is and I am leaning towards looking at cheaper foreclosure properties.I understand there is some risk to this but I am beginning to think this is the only option I will have because of how fast the market is growing.Thank you for any insight you may have!