When the reserves are needed, they are transferred back to the Operating Bank Account so that the expense may be paid out of the Operating Bank Account.The Reserve Bank Account includes sub accounts set up in your accounting system for the following reserves: Property tax reserve (fund this account monthly with 1/12 of the annual cost property tax expense)Insurance reserve (fund this account monthly with 1/12 of the annual cost of insurance)Replacement reserve (fund this account monthly in an amount to set aside sufficient funds to cover the rental property's anticipated [inevitable] future capital improvement expenses). 

I am also planning on taking on more debt to be used to improve the property we are looking to purchase, whereas the partner with the 1031 exchange would not contribute any additional capital following the purchase.

The issue we’re running into is that inventory on the MLS is limited, and we’re not sure how to find an owner who is willing to sell.

Do just enough to get it rented and cashflowing while you work on your wholesaling biz or improving your credit.

Take that amount and add capitalized improvements and subtract depreciation. 

When these scenarios come up it is usually best to try and identify a way to leave the meter in place and install your improvements so as not to impact that facility.

Which type of improvement contributes more to the land.

Doing this leg work up front with drastically improved your communication and relationship with the agent.

Not in a position to start investing yet-waiting to be in a position of financial strength, but want to learn as much as possible about RE Investing and my local area while improving my financial position. 

Bigger the project, the bigger the budget for improvements