If they pay out my equity at lease signing, can I 1031 exchange those funds into a new property even though I technically still own the building and will for a while?

I've included an example below to help illustrate this.So different lenders have different rates (which do vary even for DSCR loans) but these are factors they all consider.See example below:DSCR < 1Principal + Interest = $1,700Taxes = $350, Insurance = $100, Association Dues = $50Total PITIA = $2200Rent = $2000DSCR = Rent/PITIA = 2000/2200 = 0.91Since the DSCR is 0.91, we know the expenses are greater than the income of the property.DSCR >1Principal + Interest = $1,500Taxes = $250, Insurance = $100, Association Dues = $25Total PITIA = $1875 Rent = $2300DSCR = Rent/PITIA = 2300/1875 = 1.23If a purchase, you also generally need reserves / savings to show you have 3-6 month payments of PITIA (principal / interest (mortgage payment), property taxes and insurance and HOA (if applicable).

BiggerPockets also has a calculator you can use to analyze deals and I highly recommend you start this as soon as possible, even if you are not ready to buy.

You can get creative with the terms and even throw in some real care like if they attend classes or group then X.

If I can score some cash flow, I'll take the win, but my plan is to at least break even in payments.

It will likely take at least 3-5 years of focused effort to start generating significant cash flow from real estate, even if you use leverage (financing).

The second is interested and even interned with us recently.

Even at our crazy rates we could stick frame cheaper than you could buy almost any quality container.  

Buy your lists, smile and dial all day and every day.Negotiate hard, be quick, close quick and close with cash.Your word is your honor and if you snag a bargain price and are under contract with the seller, even if it turns out to be a turd.Buy the turd and eat it.Don't be a turd like many other wholesalers are and let the contract lapse.Right @Bob Stevens?

But even if it doesn't (I would be surprised if it doesn't), a lease provision that provides that the tenant is liable for damages caused to the premises should be a legal provision.