In exchange you might get in free to trainings. 

Then, products such as HELOC or 1031 exchange are not open to me as a foreigner so even though i have on paper $500k in equity I don't have a real way of tapping into it.Any ideas or suggestions what I can do now to keep growing would be much appreciated!

Eventually, I'd like to utilize a 1031 exchange to trade up into larger multifamily units.Thanks in advance for your insights!

What are the logistics for carrying out a 1031 exchange?

She's asking me to manage the house for her in exchange for a $200 monthly fee (for example, I could list the house for $2700 and give her $2500).This would include finding tenants in the same way I do for my own tenants, and managing the property after it is rented as it is only 4 min away from my home.

Oh and listen to @Dave Foster, he knows a lot and was my go-to guy for the 1031 exchange we did! 

How can I help you achieve your goals in exchange for you helping me?)

I work with many clients who 1031 exchange their properties in the Bay Area to Sacramento for this exact reason.

If so,Have you considered renting and turning your current unit into a rental investment (enabling a 1031 exchange after 2 years of rental income) ?

The process you are referring to is what we call a consolidation exchange, where you would sell multiple properties to buy a  larger property.