If I'm going to be some crazy shlepp that lives off of flea markets and swap fests, then I can dodge the entire system, but I honestly wouldnt' do that.

Does that make me any more of a slave than if I swapped the debt obligation on the two properties?

I'm in Surrey, BC (also Peter) and I'd be happy to meet you to swap notes.

Something like an electrical panel replacement is a problem, if you swapped out some outlets, that isn't as big a deal (at least in my area).If we are talking about major construction, like an addition, they could make you tear it down.

Then learn how to swap out a $162 boiler blower motor after being quoted $975 by HVAC guys.

If they can buy it at a concert or a swap meet, it'll be covering those windows.

Montreal tenants are swapping apartments to avoid rising rents | CBC NewsAlthough the investor I was talking to uses cash for keys to avoid apartment swaps in his market (quebec), I'm actually interested in using cash for keys to have tenants just voluntarily end their lease (I'm in Ontario and apartment swaps doesn't seem to be a thing here).

Move on and count your losses, and find another contractor with a signed contract before work or money swap sans.

If I were to purchase a car I would be lucky to keep it for the largest deprecation period and then I will want a new car and then trade it in and start all over again and that would be a worse financial decision for me than just leasing my cars and then swapping them for something new every 3 years.

Maybe we can link up when I am back in town and swap strategies!