I, as the new homeowner, am actually moving into this home as my primary residence.

You can learn a lot from fellow investors in your market, but make sure you listen to those that are actually investing in real estate not just talking about investing in real estate.

I have always been fearful of failing in real estate, so I found reasons to drag my feet.

I would not start them until I had an actual deal.

We decided to hold for a couple of reasons.  1) The CoC ROI is 17.27%. 

Given that you've already provided the tenant with accommodation during repairs and even offered a rent-free month, it's reasonable to expect them to rely on their renters insurance for personal belongings damaged in the flood, as outlined in your lease agreement.

Ya Liability protection and missed payments seems to be the reason.

And you will owe tax on the depreciation taken since you bought it in the 1031.The confusion in addition to the mortgage question is that the amount you purchased greater than your $300K sale is actually additional basis. 

We actually have a great way for you to find a trusted one with our Tax Pro Finder Tool, under the Build Your Team Section. 

I’d rather be finding properties I can actually work with rather than sit on my hands waiting on court dates for unknown possibilities