Im sure it would make life a lot easier for us and for her but it sounds like a lot of expense to get there. 

It is a lot easier IMO this way than chasing people for your fee. 

Once those drop back down into the 5's cash flow should get a little easier.  

That’s the first target, afterwards, it is to grow this portfolio for the next few years to multiple of these multi family or apartment buildings.

That was kind of my target at one point too (but that was before I found this new job). 

Are you targeting a certain area of STL?

Properties with no mortgage tend to be lawsuit targets. 

For me, I've found that as I hone in on a location and an asset class, everything gets easier. 

Quote from @Nathan Gesner: If I've said it once, I've said it a thousand times.Nathan, while what you state works 90%, when you reach a certain level you become a TARGET for predatory attorneys and professional plaintiffs.

As long as the total of the replacement properties meets your reinvestment target you'll still defer all tax.