However, I believe Stessa is a great alternative and it is very user friendly for buy and hold investors, more importantly, it is FREE!

Any advice on my plan or other alternatives to reach the goal of financial freedom quicker?

Alternative recommendations welcome.

It is a bit risky, but I had the cash to back it up at that point but was unable to get a large enough business loan so this was a good alternative. 

Or we also did a 3x6 Subway alternating with 6x6 square in my kids bathroom. 

Alternatively I can just put my cash into more passive investments and go back to work, but I think if I started working again I wouldn't be able to give a foray into real estate the attention needed to be particularly successful.

@Nicky ReaderThank you for the alternative perspective.

Kind of reminds me of a political debate - no winners only losers.But underpinning your situation is really a question - "What is the opportunity and alternative costs of not doing a 1031 and paying the tax now vs. buying a property that may not perform as advertised or may be overpriced, or may lose value in a correction?"

Alternatively there are always hard money lenders and private equity folks that can help.

Alternately, buy with cash, rehab, rent it, refinance it with a HELOC or mortgage, and calculate your ROI that way.