It definitely feels more like a 'who you know' type of game.

There are a few reasons for this: 1) They are costly and the Exchange intermediary may require a whole host of inspections including environmental reports etc and 2) One has to come up with the cash to buy the new property without getting the equity out of the first property - not everyone can do that - add in having to get a loan while still being obligated to the loan on the “sale” property.

Let's work together to change the game for the mutual growth of your REAL ESTATE business.

The bad thing about these issues is they are costly.

I keep reading that it will be so hard to seperate the costs for each unit.

So, yes, you can absolutely get a traditional loan using 20% down an receive a loan with lower closing costs and a lower interest rate...or you could go the other route.Hope that makes sense how I am describing it. 

If cabinets are in excellent shape, leave them alone.Accent wall adds no value.Would need photo and layout of existing bath and proposed bath and total rehab cost to tell you what value it adds, my guess is it adds $5000 in value or less.

The only negatives with an assumable loan is that they take longer to close, 60-90 days generally, and you would also need to come to the table with a little cash to cover the sellers equity (if any) and some other closing costs. 

Didn't have much cash on hand but wanted to get in the game!

I saved on buyer-side closing costs by representing myself.