So, I was off to track down some money on his behalf.So, I approached a private lender of mine who had some idle cash that I have not been able to put to work for a month or so (don't ask!)

Hey @Michelle Mayer, I'd say you're on the right track with the 1031.  

I think you'll be able to find opportunities through most of the midwest that will perform similar to or better than Birmingham, so I'd say you're on track.

Its passive, its a proven strategy and you have a lot of options.

It's closely tracked here :)I am sure you will have no problem covering your costs just doing your own deals!

With a sub-meter ( a meter you have installed on the property side of the provider's meter) you can track usage of each unit, and know EXACTLY how to bill a property.

We all know which train is on the tracks currently.Many people are currently paying much higher prices for flips than they ever had to pay before.

. // If you have a business, then be sure to start keeping track of expenses that could be written off.I also suggest grabbing the BP tax book - there's probably some good info in there for you.

First, keep track of how much the delay is costing you. 

You are an investor who is making sacrifices now for their future benefit; you can see the rational of paying off your highest interest rate loan and don't need a behavioral psychology trick to keep you on track.