Smith that you are a local real estate investor, and offer to pay cash for their property. 

They will tell you how much house you can afford.Step 6: Work with your agent to make offers on properties that fit your criteria.Step 7: Do this until an offer is accepted, conduct due diligence and proceed to closing your first deal!

A few weeks later we saw it came back on market, we checked it out and made a quick offer to land it $25k under list price.

@Michael Tompkins suggest you start networking with local real estate agents to offer your services to make repairs on their listing transactions. 

I can't say I am worried he is going to destroy the property as he does not seem angry with the situation however I am curious what those with more experience my offer in advice. 

(then you also don't need to worry about the time crunch of a 1031I would suggest just selling and sitting on the money until a truly attractive offer comes your way.

Sellers want to be on the MLS that covers the area where their home is located, so they can offer a commission to LOCAL buyer agents.2.

I recommend spending a little time on goals and a lot more time on systems/processes (analyze X markets, Y properties, offer on Z opportunities, etc.).

Private investment funds allow you to invest alongside a small group of other investors, while REITs offer publicly traded stocks that represent an ownership stake in a larger pool of properties around the world.Commercial real estate has always been considered an "alternative investment," but it is fast becoming more mainstream.

Here are a few ways technology is revolutionizing the real estate sector:Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR): VR and AR technologies allow potential buyers to tour properties remotely, providing a realistic sense of the space without the need for physical visits.Blockchain and Real Estate Transactions: Blockchain technology offers a secure, transparent way to conduct real estate transactions, reducing fraud and speeding up the process.Property Management Software: Modern property management solutions automate many aspects of property management, from tenant screening to rent collection, making it easier and more efficient to manage rental properties.Embracing Sustainability in Real EstateSustainability is no longer just a buzzword; it's a critical consideration for the real estate sector.