I can see how starting with a 4-plex could provide better returns and learning opportunities without an overwhelming jump in complexity.

This is a physical asset, not paper, and it's providing consistent income.Albeit for your not understanding tax laws and depreciation, I'm wondering why there's a question as to what you should keep.You understand capital gains, but I'm pretty sure you're not familiar with depreciation and loan paydown.

Thanks in advance for any help you can provide!

We self manage our properties, but we provide maintenance work for others rentals and pretty much all the property managers around here are mediocre. 

They do this by the Scope of Work with Budget being provided to them. 

.- Strategic Partnerships: Building direct relationships with REO asset managers, bankruptcy attorneys, and bank liquidation teams can provide exclusive access to bulk sales before they go public.- Bulk Purchases & Portfolio Acquisitions: Banks and hedge funds often look to unload non-performing assets in bulk.

@Marc Zak Using an LLC for each property provides strong liability protection by isolating risks to individual assets, with income and expenses flowing through to your personal taxes on Schedule E.

J Scott, one of the more respected authors/authorities on BP, provides scenarios in which wholesaling can be done legally and ethically.  

I provided a free rent back for 2 weeks so the seller could get her funds and relocate.

Hopefully, they will then be motivated to do more deals and provide more opportunities.