Still, I know that some people are having to make hard decisions - and hopefully you, as the LL can do your part by applying for the rental fund.....And, fwiw I agree that a profit of 150/mo is slim and is not enough to help a LL weather a storm like this unless they have a years worth of reserves set aside.... 

Not to make excuses (but kind of), but I'm overseas for most of this year and don't think I will have the time to be present and active enough to take advantage of the 1031 - I'm concerned I'd miss the window to purchase like properties, and it sounds like a fairly active and intensive process.However I might be able to pursue a similar option anyway, given something I discovered after my initial post: I may be eligible for a capital gains exemption due to having lived in the CA property for 2 of the last 15 years (military status extends/suspends the "2 out of 5" rule for up to 10 years). 

Some will require minimum of 2 years experience (which you seem to have, but worth mentioning) as a LL before accounting for any offset to mortgages.

Chemistry enthusiast looking to grow and discover new things every day.You already have the skill set to to evaluate 1 thru 4 above, even though this is real estate and not Chemistry. 

I recently discovered Biggerpockets not too long ago and I am trying make my family's home (my future home) into the best investment possible.

What if you discover a body in the crawlspace or an easement through the front yard?

@Roberto Delgado Comfortable dialogue is the best approach...this is all about discovering motivation, listening empathetically, asking questions and proposing a fair solution. 

@Lucas Gibson Join a local LL org in your area and attend their networking events which we will be able to have in the coming months.

We recently purchased a fixer home in a beach town on the Oregon Coast. Recently painted every square inch on the inside getting ready for all new windows. Window company started installing windows and was stopped and...

I recently discovered a vacant property in Maryland that is two townhouses.