Clearly, it demonstrates your ability to initially transform a bad situation and coupled with that you showed your tenacity, decisiveness, ability to execute an action plan and being sequentially rewarded along the way with higher sales prices.

Hi @Alex Miles, The majority of investors/taxpayers do not realize that foreign property can qualify under Section 1031, but the exchange has to be between foreign properties. 

The problem is that I can't find a home in the market I'm looking that isn't selling for above asking price, unless it has major "issues" as described by my real-estate agent.  

As I see it, you have two major mistakes here:You shouldn't buy a property with a problem tenant UNLESS the problem is fixed prior to closing.

I found one that I am interested in but it needs major repairs.  

Chase is a major commercial bank.

That is one of the major advantages of using a tenant-paid credit/background screening service.

Charlotte is a major city, where Columbia is a secondary market.

My mother handed me Rich Dad Poor Dad in 2000, when I was only 14, from then on I always new that the proverbial rat race wouldn't suit me well, and in many ways it transformed my financial acumen moving me from a non-investor to a passive investor at a very young age.

Home is in a small mountain town, fairly close to a major ski destination. 3bd/2ba, 1400 sq. ft.