If it's vinyl there will be lower maintenance but check to see that all of the windows are capped and that they are caulked properly so that no wood is showing. 6. 

cap rate?

Your buyer's agent should be trained to understand certain concepts that you as an invest are motivated by:Understand what a "CAP" rate is and how to determine the CAP rate on investment properties.How to complete an APOD (Annual Property Operating Data form)How to get to the NOI and to apply the CAP Rate formulaHow to make offers on commercial and residential properties based on the return expectedKnowledge of negotiating with sellers, making trial offers and setting up settlement Skilled in comparable sales analysisCharles

Perhaps I keep the same management fee and agree to take on the work in exchange for  2% equity per year with a cap at a certain percent (10?).

If you both have the credit/income, this alone increases the cap to 20 financed properties.

Sure, cap rates in the desirable in-town neighborhoods for MLS-listed properties trade for sub 5% cap rates.

Launch a venture cap/ private equity firm that invests in people who are solving major world problems.2.

What I am seeing is over-priced real estate, CAP rates that do not make sense, and a lack of transactions as a result.

If you bought for 500,000 you would pay tax on the 500 you bought less than what you sold but you would still shelter the tax on 200K.Your cpa should be able to tell you your tax liability including depreciation recapture state and federal cap gains based on a discussion with you that includes any capital expenses not yet on your returns.4) Do I have to buy another multi-use or could I buy say a 3 unit, a single house(s) and a getaway cabin with land for our use?  

I am definitely considering taking it and hitting the road... only problem is I will have to pay taxes at my rate on the income instead of cap gains... ouch.