@Eric SmithGenerally, if the taxpayer sells the relinquished property to an unrelated party, the taxpayer generally cannot acquire replacement property from a related party unless:The related party is also participating in a 1031 exchange.The related party pays more in tax on the sale to the taxpayer than the taxpayer is deferring in the exchange (this scenario is rare).Let’s look who is considered a related party: Spouse, children, grandchildren, parents, and siblings.Corporations and shareholders owning more than 50%.Commonly controlled corporations.Partnerships and partners with more than 50% interest.Trustees, grantors, and trust beneficiaries.Non-Related Parties:In-laws.Aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces.Friends.Domestic partners.Entities owned 50% or less by the taxpayer or a related party.In your case, your mother-in-law, aunts, and cousins are not considered related parties to you under the definitions in Sections 267(b) and 1031(f).

Sometimes hard to find this happy medium in rate sheets, though.Another consideration would be taxes - points are typically treated as interest, so if your tax obligations are high this year vs being higher in the future, then this could also impact buying down now vs paying a little more in interest in future years. 

But keep in mind, its a Real Estate Club where you have to pay to be a member.

Now, you need to figure out how to find deals and pay for them.

If you’re paying off less than $800/mo on your loan id say sell come April selling season.

When someone wants to send you a referral privately, they are probably sending you a friend that pays them a referral fee.

   #9  SWEETEN the POT:    Do not think that paying extra rent is going to entice owners to rent to you. 

Quote from @Josh Otero: Hi BP community, I know you've got some crazy tenant stories and I want to hear it.I'll go first:1) I was managing a 5 story apartment building and a dog fell off the 4th floor balcony because of the owner not paying attention.

You'll need to have 10%  thru the sale account by 5pm the day of the win, and will have to pay the remainder within 15 days of the win.

I am not yet familiar with the management fees for an STR yet as we self manage, however Cleveland itself is currently STR friendly and just requires them to be registered if you have stays over 90 days and then you register with the city and pay $35.