Now fully paid off, great investment.

I have a free and clear, rented property I intend to keep for now, but want to get a loan to pay off another property's loan to 1031 it with no mortgage balance. 

It sounds like you are off to a great start trying to learn as much as possible and playing the long game.

It's important to find people you trust to do it right because I can't tell you how many times we've taken on properties and the furniture weren't set up correctly/things are falling off.  

@Norberto Murillo Jr, If you can stomache the current cash flow now you will be far better off rather than refinancing to a higher interest just to get a lower payment.right now those loans are paying off quickly because of the age of the loan and the amortization of it. 

I'm looking to purchase an off-market home in my neighborhood and ran into a hurdle that I might not be able to overcome...For context my elderly neighbor who I've been friends with for the last couple of years recently passed away.

Scope of Work:Initial Assessment: Our team conducts a thorough assessment of the property to evaluate its current condition, identify structural issues, and determine the scope of renovation required.Design Concept: Collaborating with architects and designers, we develop a design concept that blends contemporary elements with the historic character of the row house, maximizing space utilization and optimizing layout efficiency.Structural Repairs: Structural repairs and reinforcements are undertaken to ensure the integrity and stability of the building, addressing any foundation issues, roof leaks, or structural deficiencies.Interior Renovation: The interior of the row house is completely renovated, including the removal of non-load-bearing walls to create open-concept living spaces, installation of new flooring, upgrading electrical and plumbing systems, and installing energy-efficient fixtures and appliances.Kitchen and Bath Remodeling: The kitchen and bathrooms are transformed with modern finishes, custom cabinetry, quartz countertops, and high-end appliances, creating functional and stylish spaces for daily living and entertaining.Historic Preservation: Special care is taken to preserve and restore original architectural features such as exposed brick walls, decorative moldings, and hardwood floors, enhancing the property's historic charm and character.Exterior Enhancements: The exterior of the row house receives a facelift with fresh paint, repaired masonry, restored windows, and landscaping improvements, enhancing curb appeal and contributing to the overall aesthetic appeal of the neighborhood.Quality Assurance: Throughout the renovation process, our team adheres to strict quality control measures and standards, ensuring that workmanship meets or exceeds industry best practices and building codes.Finishing Touches: The finishing touches, including interior decor, lighting fixtures, and hardware, are carefully selected to complement the design aesthetic and create a cohesive and inviting atmosphere.Timeline and Budget:The single-family flip project in the Philadelphia row house is estimated to be completed within [timeline], with a budget of [budget].

A good rule of thumb I like to tell clients is that if your activities are integral and income producing, where as if you were not to do the activitiy it would result in the property's financial health being worse off, it should count in general. 

Suffolk is a good city to invest in as well as the rest of Hampton Roads.

I currently lean toward upstate NY and MI (Detroit metro) as I live in the west but have family in Canada not far from those locations and the idea of being able to visit family with trips that can double as business write-offs is appealing.