I'd recommend performing research on the REITs by simply Googling their name.

I'd hate to let it go simply for that reason because it's in a very prominent, desirable area in St.

Every seller thinks their home is worth more than it is, or simply do not understand pricing strategy. 

And to expand a little further on Frank's cap-x comment, during the last recession there were plenty of apartments with 20% vacancy or more, simply because the ownership didn't have the resources to do the capital improvements necessary to attract tenants. 

As others have said get educated and realize, lack of knowledge and ability to perform can have serious negative affects on families.

These deals very simply should get you closer to your goals.

Im in Philly which is a very competitive market, but we get a good amount of deals from simply cold calling.

If I were you, I would simply budget based on needing to replace all of it.  

The lower than market interest and lack of closing costs allow you to pay a bit more. 

I buy and sell properties more often than most investors.....but it ends up being for a few reasons.  1) I get bored with some properties, 2) by buying different types of assets, it lends credibility to my business as an agent to sell those other kinds of assets, and 3) to avoid upcoming large capex costs.However, I actually believe a better wealth building strategy for most people is to simply continue to hold onto most of their real estate assets.