long term appreciation and value add potential How did you finance this deal?

You should know the rules inside out or be working with the professionals that know it.Incorrect moves can result in not only a taxable event to you but to your investors.Based on your most recent response, i do not think you have a good understanding of1) requirements of the QOF(You may need to substantially improve a property)2) How long you need to hold a property before it can be sold to exclude the gain3) Inside basis vs outside basisBest of luck

Those of us with a long track record are completely unphased by the settlement and changes and will likely be charging more, not less.

I am seeking perspective from the savvy note investors as well as established buy and hold (rental property) investors regarding the "best" strategy to grow net worth over time. 

I've been working in the Phoenix area for the last two years in the data center world.

You have to have lived in a property 2 of the last 5 years to get the tax exemptions.

This number seems very high considering we just bought the house a year ago, and we know buyer is also paying a title fee as well (we did that last year).

For real estate specifically, it depends, in many instances an LLC is not required but ok as long as done properly (properties are bought in LLC and not bought and mortgaged in your name and transferred). 

I am a rookie investor looking to invest in SFH to hold as rentals long term.

I'm Garrett from Georgia, passionate about real estate investing for the last 5 years.