Multiple marketing messages in one mail piece would increase effectiveness.  

Being new to REI, I read blog posts almost every day and soak up podcasts to increase my competency.

Before anyone jumps into options they really need to learn real estate, and that isn't taught by gurus or in the forums or blogs here. 

You will find resources here from blogs to pod casts and forums.

Any good websites or BP blogs you can direct me to?

I don't think my current method of paying my handyman an $85 trip charge is cost effective. 

He was the handyman I refer to in this blog: I Burned My House To The Ground.

You will find resources here from blogs to pod casts and forums.

Your right it should have nothing to do with the 1031 but it it goes on the hud it is messy and easier for the service to claim you are receiving boot  A simple statement to that effect can go into the contract and the title company may even be willing to handle that part for you.Re: the excess funds- depending on valuations and any work needed on your replacement properties there may be a way to enfold that into improvements to tour replacements and still keep tax deferred status of that money

Our standard loan is a 5-month term which puts the effective rate at 6.25% - 7.5%.