Lower basis produces higher yield, which accelerates paydown and reduces exposure.

If you were going to sell to reposition into better producing real estate then certainly you'll want to 1031. 

But the B class duplex properties in my area (Springfield MO) are priced so they don't cash flow before they're paid off. in other words I have to cover $300-600/month for about 5 years (on a $250K+ properties).The reason I can pay off in 5 years is I have ability to pay large amounts against principal every month (from my regular job income), but I only have 82K for a down payment.Once it's paid off, the property would produce almost 1000$ net cash flow.Are these good numbers or do I need to do things differently?

They both did very well by focusing on cutting out all of the nonsense and sticking to income-producing activities.

Your post discussed how much the properties may be wortth & how much cash may be required for deferred maintenance, but you do not mention how much net cash flow the properties produce. 

Asking AI to produce a contract for is not a good practice.

Also, send a DM if you're interested in networking with other local investors in Naples, we have a meetup monthly at Innovation hotel.All the best! 

So Doorvest is getting everything that produces a high return and you get the aspects of real estate investing that have low a return. 

Action: confirm it’s income‑producing, not your residence; verify real property status in your state and with your lender/insurer; have a cost‑seg pro model the deduction vs. your passive loss limits; and pressure‑test cash flow so the tax play isn’t carrying a weak asset.

I had the benefit of being the top producing land broker in my county.. so  I know the exit price and what people will pay.. this is the problem with these types of things. you have experts and you have beginners.. with no history or understanding the markets they are buying in .. if you look at Mark's post above you will see a guy that is putting out thousands of offers and has a big shop plus probably makes a bunch of money selling his system..