Increase Your Cost Basis: Document and include the costs of significant improvements made to the property in your cost basis.

To start with rental properties, improve your credit score (aim for 620+), save for a 20-25% down payment, and educate yourself with books like Real Estate Investing for Dummies.Research your local market using Zillow and Rentometer.

The emotional / confidence factor does matter when it comes to conviction to hold over the longhaul.4) Are you improving or decreasing in the quality of area you are going into in order to acheive this cashflow in PGH?

Its a great feeling to provide improved housing and providing jobs to other individuals who want to be their own boss.

Thats how they know your properties condition has “improved”.

Originally posted by @Adam D Rinehart:@Will Gaston I’m glad to hear you “over improve” your student rentals as well.

You may be able to factor in certain improvements to your personal residence so when you do move out, you can be eligible to depreciate it.

I am not going to do any improvements to the land, just improvements on paper etc.

Hey Dave, since I have mortgages on these properties, would it make sense to bring cash to the exchange to cover the mortgage amount (or pay off the mortgage before doing the 1031) and improve the cash flow for the newly acquired property?

There's nothing left to cover expenses so you better have deep pockets to cover maintenance, admin, turns, etc.If you think you can quickly improve rents to a point that covers your expenses and pads your pocket a bit, then maybe, IF it hits your return threshold.If you're buying cash, then the mortgage is not a factor.