You might even get a better return over time, i.e. selling two condos compared to one duplex.

The 1031 can help you with both of those by letting you buy more stable real estate and save a bunch in interest charges with a new loan.The problem people have is when they compare only the acquisition price of the real estate with a 1031 exchange. 

Quick looks on realtor or Zillow only show a few houses and they seem very pricey compared to tentative rents.

@Bob OkenwaBob is correct.Especially if you plan on making this a career... mortgage fraud will crush your dreams.A lender calling a loan due in full when they find out you don't occupy a residence you said you would, or when they see your rental posted when you said it was a primary or secondary home is minor compared to mortgage fraud.I once worked for a mortgage lender who has a friend who was convicted of mortgage fraud.

Attached is an estimate from a local general contractor and I'm just curious how this sizes up compared to other estimates you've all seen - and if we'd be better off managing the project on our own and sub contracting specific parts out.

How profitable are those stores compare to restaurants and others businesses? 

Pepperell is a much more expensive suburb than Lowell where the single Family houses sell for about double when compared to Lowell How did you find this deal and how did you negotiate it?

Compare yourself to people who own no homes trying to buy their first.

I am wondering if this would go even higher.Anyone has any insight on why this property alone would be double tax compare to other homes in the area?

I'm looking into acquiring my first rental property and I was wondering if anyone had any recommendations to see what everyone uses to compare rents in different neighborhoods?