My parents are thinking of buying and adding to their portfolio and I would take the proceeds and 1031 exchanging into some more properties. 

I hired 2 throughout the rehab - 1 not very reliable and 1 that was a game changer!

Time will tell how this property really performs, but I’m glad I took action and added this property to my growing portfolio.  

That said, if one comes up Im game to potentially partner if you find it. 

All to often many companies struggle with how to “implement” and train staff and don’t have the resources or tools to manage the amount of properties in their portfolio and maintain the level of service needed/expected. 

I just don't know realistically what the benefits would be on a relatively small portfolio or if my wife could manage it until it grows larger.2. 

@Bryan Johnson In the investing world there are 2 main types of loans: "Conventional, Conforming" and "Portfolio" loans.

Sometimes, they're trying to game the system. 

I also think that those "outside factors you have no control over" that contribute to a neighborhood improving have been a guessing game, but are actually able to be tracked because of advances in technology over the past couple of years. 

Topics of interest are pricing, investor friendly Realtors, neighborhoods, crime rates, local laws, good contractor/handymen and portfolio & hard money lenders.