Because the changes couldn't be approved, we weren't able to satisfy the self-sufficiency FHA requirement for a 3-unit property.

Do you self manage or hire out for your small complexes?

In my opinion, the private flood options rate maps are more accurate at assessing the “true risk” and associating a premium with it.That being said if your property is in an X-flood zone (those not required by lenders to have flood insurance) then the government policy (which is subsidized) is a no-brainer you get great coverage at a low cost. 

Just returned from Afghanistan in April, and I spent some of my time over there self-educating through BP and books.

The cashflow it's self will produce more than adequate returns and by the time the true bloodbathe comes for stocks or real estate I'll have enough accumulated up to scoop up a couple rentals.

I have self educated myself quite a bit over the last few years but have no real experience.

These are public record and there is a GIS Database (Portal Catastro Digital y Productos Cartográficos (crimpr.net))where you can access this parcels to see their "Catastro number", owner, area, the assessed value for both the land and the structure for tax purposes and you should also see the date of the last sale and the price.

Note that if one were to self manage, then lower expenses would be expected since no property management fees are paid out.

. , @Jason Dillard is spot on with regard to eligibility for 1031 and the way to mitigate.If your goal is to be a fixer flipper or a wholesaler as he is and can generate the velocity needed then he's probably right in his assessment that you can make more cash flow flipping or wholesaling (although the net tax difference dissipates most of that differential). 

Our goal is to do flips 100% of the time but being self funded we can't pivot to a new job without the most recent one selling, so in between jobs we continue GC work for clients.