UPDATE:
So far I have built 9 properties on tier 2 - 3 properties each for the first 3 of my tier 1 properties. Only have 4 tier 1 properties left to build tier 2 links to - 12 tier 2 properties to create - I think staggering it like this might help to reduce footprint?
Anyway, I have also added all of the tier 2 properties created so far to dripable - I am throwing 500 links per day for about 4-5 days at each property.
So far keyword has moved from #48 to #34. Not a bad start.
Love the case study!! Were your t2 properties were made from the same Ip??