Boots on the ground like your cleaner is VERY important, but I'd also recommend you get to know your neighbors and exchange info.

The problem I see is the masses have not understood the advantage of purchasing a duplex.As far a Lennar is considered an entry level builder, I don't see that their neighborhoods in general have very good price appreciation, unless they are in a unique area where the location is exceptional.I think that prices are falling, and that you should be able to find a deal, the I-35 Corridor from  San Antonio to Austin is a very hot area.Here is an example of a property that was listed for $342,000, and the list price is down to $300,000, with a price drop of $20,000 on 7/29. 1261 Stone Rim Loop, Buda, Texas 78610, If you need any comps or info, just let me know, I'm a licensed Broker in Texas, and I have MLS access across the state.Also, I'm not sure if you know, but you can split your 1031 exchange and purchase multiple properties instead of just 1 property. 

If they don’t like fixing it up I’m sure they’ll like it falling apart in exchange for lower rent. 

Investment Info:

Small multi-family (2-4 units) buy & hold investment in Saint Louis.

Purchase price: $90,000

Cash invested: $50,000

Sale price: $289,000

4 family building purchased in distre...

Also was able to reach another lady and have exchanged texts.

I cleaned it up, took pictures, posted it for sale, fully expecting to use Section 121, as recommended all over this forum, instead of doing a Section 1031 exchange, which I had originally planned to do before asking about the Section 121 law on this forum!!

But I have been looking into splitting the duplex into two condos (yes I know it is a lot of work) and I could probably get 325-350k for each, netting me 650-700k.Number:* Mortgage interest 2.5%* Mortgage principle 240k* PITI $2100/month* Rent 2200/month (current tenant on a two year lease)* Potential rent on my side $2400/month * 100k HELOC at 11% (fixed) (not currently being used)* est additional cost to split the dueplex 75-100k (conservative, probably less)     *new siding 30k (just put on a new roof this year)     *legal 10-15k     *fire proofing 15k     * 15-40k for stuff I am not aware of or underestimated on* some of the appreciation is external from the home     *big grocery store put in 3min away     * newly paved road in front of my house     *a building that was falling down across the street has been torn down          * Still a vacant lot with the foundation exposed and fencing around it (so more local improvements are on the way)Part of me wants to take the money and run but man I love that 2.5% interest rate and the $2000/month cash flow (including taxes and capx)I have thought about 1031 exchanging into more rentals, but I would like to pivot into storage units.

@Joe Vigurs  You can do a 1031 exchange on any type of investment real estate.

You might consider doing a 1031 exchange and selling a couple of your properties that are cash flowing the least amount and buy in a market that is more conducive to cash flow. 

Can it still qualify for 1031 because the rule is u have to live in it or rent it for 2 out of 5yrsSecond, if I buy a property, renovate it and sell within 3/4 months, can it qualify for 1031 because I heard u have to hold it for 1 yr.Is coop sale and exchange with purchase of single family home "like kind" of exchange?