I use a blended approach like many portfolio managers use with stocks and bonds.

I am pretty sure op means .5%How about some blue chip dividend payers, via a fund, or muni bond fund?

You're looking at 14k max in labor for a full blown company with licenses, insurance, and etc not just contractor's bond minimum requirement by the state; just go with that, and buy the materials at homedepot or some sort, more miles on your credit card.

Need a contractor to meet with me in Baltimore asap.

Holding onto property even in a down market, will get you cash flow, and whether the storm, but isn't it better to unload when markets are high, take the gain, put in bonds, and wait for downturn, and buy again?

I cut my teeth on my first purchase in 2017, a one mixed building with 2 commercial tenants and 2 residential tenants.

I would be suspect of someone not willing to share insurance and bond information (note it's bond not bound).  

But when it comes to just rehabbing houses as cheap as you can thats usually bottom barrel type labor pool Lots of missing teeth etc.

What if an opinion about the rules is incorrect & you qualify for a 1031 by the skin of your teeth?  

For example, I personally invest a large chunk of my passive RE income into the stock market IE. securities, stocks bonds, Mutual funds etc.