You likely have an increase due to general appreciate as opposed to gain from fixtures or the quality of the interior of the apartment. 

I am aware of all the ways to get the attention of motivated sellers but what have you done to create a motivated buyers list.

I was wondering what I can ask the current seller to gain confidence in putting an offer in for this property.

Keep doing that until you die (inelegant, I know) and leave the props to your heirs who receive a stepped-up tax basis (meaning you've successfully avoided all that capital gain and depreciation recapture tax).

I had the idea that perhaps with my plethora of skills that instead of finding the hourly job first and perusing real estate second, I could be of use to some one local and marry the need to pay the bills and start gaining experience.

And it publicly tests your dogma.There are a lot larger benefits to being active on BP than simply reading posts and gaining knowledge.

This way instead of paying about 30% capital gains, you’ll only pay 15%.

Hello,  I am completely new to all of this  as I am now starting to research and gain more interest and insight  on real estate investment. 

Its a capital gain market not cash-flow. unless you can invest in Commercial or develop to hold. 

I also do a lot of taxable investing in addition to my little RE ventures.I'm stuck on what else can be done to maximize my REI for reduced tax gains.